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Energy Plus Rates too High? It’s Time to Find a Lower Rate!

Posted by on November 12, 2013

Energy rates in the states of MD, DC, and IL are all competitive in their own way, but the bottom line when choosing an electricity provider is cost. If you’re paying too much, don’t use them. In Maryland and Illinois, Energy Plus has swooped in with some clever marketing tactics to grab consumers looking around for the lowest energy rate possible. Unfortunately, free flyer miles and bonus rewards just aren’t enough compensation for most in comparison to the overall rates. So, is Energy Plus a scam? Or are they just another energy company with high rates?

 

Energy Plus’ Rates

Many claim to have the lowest rate, but do you ever read the fine print to see if that rate is fixed? If you answered no, Energy Plus may have tricked you. Although at first their rates may seem attractive (around $0.08/kWh), they won’t stay there for long. Many customers are coming to us at Point Click Switch asking for a new electricity supplier because their rates have nearly doubled within months of signing up! Energy Plus rates tend to jump to anywhere between $0.14 (and oftentimes higher) /kWh…a substantial increase from the initial rate of $0.08/kWh!

 

Had Enough? Time to Switch Energy Suppliers

Maybe this rate spike just wasn’t what you signed up for and now you’re asking yourself: “what’s next?” Well, we have good news for you: there are lower rates in your area. Our main goal at Point Click Switch is to provide you with the information you need to make the switch from your current electricity provider to one of your choice. In the case of Energy Plus, it’s likely that you will want to switch to a cheaper, more trustworthy energy company with a fixed rate.

If you’re in the Maryland area, here are just a few of the current rates (as of 11/11/13):

  • ConEdison - $0.0795 /kWh
  • Constellation Energy - $0.0899 /kWh

If you’re in the Illinois area, here are some of your current rates (also as of 11/11/13):

  • Energy Me - $0.0570 /kWh
  • Spark Energy - $0.0579 /kWh

Whether you think Energy Plus is a “scam” or not, they definitely don’t compare when it comes to annual cost and saving on your energy bill; however, you can still grab some of those savings by switching your supplier today! So if you’re tired of Energy Plus’s rates, then compare electricity rates in your area and switch now.

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What is Natural Gas?

Posted by on October 10, 2013

You may know what gas is. You also know that gas is expensive. But what is natural gas, exactly? Well, without natural gas, your home would not be the same. “Gas fuels about 50% of America’s homes, accounting for about 21% of total natural gas consumed” (Source: EIA) worldwide. Natural gas is short for natural hydrocarbon gas, which is made up of methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen sulfide. Natural gas is used for many things in your home, including:

 

  • Generating electricity
  • Transportation
  • Fertilizer
  • Plastic, paint, etc. production
  • Heating

 

Without natural gas, your home may not have heat and electricity, depending on where you live and what your method of electricity production is. It is often used to produce plastics, paints, and fertilizers. This is why we are so dependent on natural gas, how much is left, and, more importantly, the price.

 

Natural Gas Prices

The price you pay for gas is directly affected by the methods used to extract the gas, as well as transportation fees. The price you pay is affected mainly by the following factors:

 

  • Oil prices
  • Economy
  • Volume of gas available
  • Volume of gas in production

 

Your natural gas supplier will consider these factors and calculate your price accordingly. The general rule of thumb is that the more gas available to the company, the lower the prices; however, oil prices are a huge factor of natural gas prices. Oil prices have similar pricing circumstances. This means that natural gas is also directly affected by the availability and abundance of oil supplies. Natural gas is currently around $0.55 and rising for Maryland consumers. As the amount of natural gas available for use has declined, our prices have risen.
We recommend switching to the lowest price of gas in your area to ensure you have the lowest cost on your monthly energy bill. Compare gas prices now and switch to the natural gas supplier of your choice. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

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Who is My Gas Supplier?

Posted by on August 27, 2013

If you’ve recently moved in, or have never really paid attention, you may not even know who your gas supplier is, but there are ways to find out. In most cases, your gas supplier will be the same as your electric supplier, which you can find on the top of your statement each month from that company. For most Baltimore residents, your supplier is BGE, the default for all residents. For most DC residents, Washington Gas is likely your supplier. But what is the current rate you are paying for these companies, and is it really the best deal out there? A quick look at our Switch Now page can answer all your questions regarding pricings, but it’s almost guaranteed that your default supplier is also the most expensive one. The reason is simple: most people don’t even know you can switch!

 

Switching Gas Suppliers

Most residents are concerned about how much they are paying for their gas and electric and feel like they are being taken advantage of by their company. Unfortunately this is usually the case, but there are other options out there for you to switch to. On average, you’ll be saving hundreds of dollars per year just by taking 5 minutes to fill out a simple form for free. For example, residents in Maryland who switch from BGE to Castlebridge Energy Group for electricity save an average of $225-$830 per year. Switching gas suppliers, as with electric suppliers, can be risky. Always research the plan you want to switch to before switching, so that you know what your prices will be, and what the program you’re signing up for really is. Take note of cancellation fees, deadlines, and of course the savings!

 

How Do I Switch Gas Suppliers?

If you’re interested in switching your gas supplier, or just interested in comparing the current rates, visit our Switch Now page. Here you’ll find 4 drop down menus. Fill out the options that match what you want to compare, and click the compare now button. We’ll provide you with your current rate, and other competitors’ rates and plans right there. Once you choose your supplier, click the switch now button on the appropriate company and fill out a short form; leave the rest to us! If you have any problems feel free to contact us.

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World Energy Consumption

Posted by on August 20, 2013

There are over 7 billion people in the entire world, and rising. Each of us use loads of energy each year, and in some cases we don’t even think about it. The average U.S. household uses somewhere around 1000kWh per month. For a reference, 1kWh can power 15 days of cell phone usage, so only 2kWh are technically needed for your cell phone per month. With 7 billion people in the world, what is the total world energy consumption?

 

World Energy Consumption Statistics

World energy consumption, according to the EIA was 524 quadrillion BTU in 2010. Never heard of a quadrillion before? Well, after the billion is the trillion, and then there’s the quadrillion; that’s 524,000,000,000,000,000 BTU all written out. One BTU (British Thermal Unit) is needed to cool/heat 1 pound of water by 1ºF. That’s a lot of energy usage! How much of that belongs to the U.S.? About 19%: 99 quadrillion BTU. Breaking it down even further, that’s an average of just under 2 quadrillion BTU per state, provided that we use the exact amount of energy in each state.

 

Individual Energy Consumption

Many people look at this number in awe and wonder how that could even be possible. Who uses all of this energy? The answer is simple, yet shocking: we do! In 2010, we used an average of 74 million BTU…per person. However, in 2011 we spiked up to 312 million BTU per person, and have been rising ever since. (2012 statistics are currently unavailable from the EIA) However, the word “consumption” does not include biomass fuels. “Consumption includes only coal, electricity, natural gas, and petroleum fuels” – EIA.

 

Future Projections

On July 25 of this year, the EIA released some predictions of energy consumption for the future. If our current trends continue (which is likely), our world energy consumption will increase by 56% between 2010 and 2040. In their predictions, “world energy use rises from 524 quadrillion Btu in 2010 to 630 quadrillion Btu in 2020 and to 820 quadrillion Btu in 2040” – EIA. Fossil fuels still account for about 80% of total energy production, but renewable energy and nuclear power methods are increasing by about 2.5% more each year.

 

Renewable Energy

Switching to a renewable energy supplier will no doubt help keep our planet healthier and livable. 312 million BTU per person could be generated in a greener fashion. There are many methods of energy production available, and there’s a supplier near you that uses some of these earth-friendly methods. Green methods to produce energy include: solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass, and tidal.

 

Switching Suppliers

Do you live in MD, DC, or IL? Sound like something you’d be interested in? Then compare your electricity rates and switch to a new energy supplier today!

For more statistics and studies on world energy consumption, visit the EIA: http://www.eia.gov/.

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Torrey Smith: Outside of the Baltimore Ravens

Posted by on July 23, 2013

Torrey Smith is a wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens that started his NFL career in 2011, but started his football career as a teen. In 2011 he picked was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens as a wide receiver that started out slow, but then grabbed the attention of everyone when he broke records as the first NFL rookie to score 3 touchdowns in a single quarter. Smith earned his first Super Bowl ring with the 2013 win from the Ravens. However, outside of his football career, he lives a promising life with his wife whom he married July 11, 2013. Smith also runs the Torrey Smith Foundation to support at-risk children in their everyday lives. Aside from this he also donates his time to football camps and other miscellaneous events related to football and sports in general.
 

Torrey Smith is an Actor?

Torrey Smith has actually taken up the role as an actor in commercials for Point Click Switch. Point Click Switch allows residents in MD, DC, and IL to change energy suppliers for free online. He plays the role of himself, Torrey Smith, who shows up as a son in a family that goes about their everyday lives, even though he doesn’t even live there, as the father hilariously points out in each commercial. The family’s father has found the need to come up with miscellaneous ways to save on their electric bill, such as cutting back on video game time, TV time, and making cheaper dinners like PB&J instead of Smith’s apparent favorite: spaghetti. The commercials all state that it’s easier to save money on your energy bills by just switching energy suppliers, not eating PB&J for dinner at night!

Here are some of these hilarious commercials that Smith has played in:

Torrey Smith: Video Games



Torrey Smith: All Right, All Right Spaghetti Night!



Torrey Smith: But it’s Sunday…



Torrey Smith’s career has had a lot of progress, especially considering he’s only 24. It’s unlikely that he’ll be slowing down either, especially after the 2013 Super Bowl victory he had with the Baltimore Ravens! Smith has moved from high-school football player to an NFL pro, and unknown to most: a successful actor and philanthropist.

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Supplier Profile: Castlebridge Energy Group

Posted by on June 4, 2013

At Point Click Switch, we are always looking to give you the best deal on your energy bill possible. In today’s world, most companies are out there for the mere purpose of gouging your pockets. Prices are constantly rising, and many people are working multiple jobs to keep the lights on. Fortunately, some state governments have taken notice to some of the ridiculous prices that some energy suppliers are charging. The action they took was to allow energy deregulation, which will make competition between suppliers tense, often resulting in lower prices. This means that you can switch freely between your energy suppliers to find the better deal, or to go with the greener company.

Lower Price Energy

When we talk about a cheaper BGE supplier, we are talking about an energy company that provides cheaper energy at a price per kWh that is lower than BGE. One of the leaders in BGE for cheaper energy supply is Castlebridge Energy Group. Castlebridge Energy Group is a Maryland based energy supplier that supplies both residential and commercial.

Termination Fees

One of the most common reasons people switch to Castlebridge Energy is simply the price. Their prices are very reasonable, compared to BGE and a few other suppliers. The main reasoning for their prices is also quite simple: competition. If you can power your home for less, would you? Absolutely! Castlebridge knows that the cost of energy can be lower, and adjusts their costs accordingly. However, if you’re afraid they will raise their prices (it’s likely to happen occasionally), then you can be assured of your fixed rate. Castlebridge Energy offers fixed 1 or 2 year rates on their energy! On top of it all they do not require a cancellation fee.

So if you’re looking to switch energy suppliers, check out the pricings, and consider Castlebridge Energy Group as a potential supplier. Though only a couple of years old, they’ve made quite a splash in the Maryland and DC communities! If you’d like to compare Castlebridge Energy to other suppliers, visit: https://www.PointClickSwitch.com.

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Where Does My Energy Come From?

Posted by on April 16, 2013

We have all wondered where our energy comes from at some point. Yeah, we know our house is powered by BGE (if you’re in Maryland). We also know that they generate it in a power plant of some sort. But do we really know the methods they use? In this respect, most people don’t really know. The short and simple answer is that it varies between your energy supplier, which is the company that supplies your energy provider with your electricity. If your state is an energy deregulated one, then you are in luck because I’m going to list for you each company, their average cost per kiloWatt hour (kWh), and if they use green methods to produce their energy. This will help you make the appropriate choice when planning on switching electricity providers. Keep in mind the companies listed here are for Maryland and Illinois only!

The first state we’ll look at is Maryland, which has some quite impressive results:

1. BGE: BGE is most likely your energy provider and supplier, unless you’ve changed it purposefully. They use the straight forward green method of a power plant, but this is certainly not the greenest way to produce energy. BGE commonly uses other strategies such as solar energy, but it is not primarily “green”. Their average cost is $0.10474 per kWh. The majority of Maryland uses BGE and has never thought twice about switching energy suppliers; however, every other company has cheaper pricing for Baltimore City residents! Amazing, isn’t it?

2. ConEdison Solutions: ConEdison is a company that many people know, but most do not switch to them. Similar to BGE, their methods can be green but are generally not green. ConEd does have a lower cost per kWh of $0.829. However, the power plant they use may be use different methods depending on if you choose BGE or ConEd.

3. Castlebridge Energy Group: Castlebridge is the most attractive to loads of people due to their low pricing at $0.0815 per kWh for the first year. They have another option for 2 years at $0.0869 per kWh for Baltimore City residents. Either price is a much lower price than most of their competitors! The downfall to Castlebridge is that they do not have much emphasis on their energy being “green”, which could be why the prices are lower. For those of you who want to switch to a supplier that uses only green methods (wind energy, hydroelectric, solar, etc.), it’s worth investigating further if Castlebridge is your top choice.

4. Clean Currents: If you want a green supplier, then this is your choice. Clean Currents uses only wind power to supply you with energy at great rates. The current rate for Clean Currents is $0.990 per kWh. Clearly not the cheapest option, but BGE still takes the cake for most expensive.

5. Constellation: Constellation energy has some very reasonable options. For starters, they have renewable energy electricity plans. The pricing for Constellation in Baltimore City is $0.949 for 12 months, or $0.899 for 24 months. This option is one of the more popular ones because of the green options along with the cheaper pricing.

6. Spark Energy: Spark Energy does not advertise “green plans”, unfortunately. They purchase the energy from locations near you and find the cheapest and most reliable pricing, resulting in lower energy prices for you. Where that energy comes from may or may not have been via green methods. However, the costs are worth a look: $0.849 per kWh. Can’t argue with that!

The options for Pepco (), Delmarva Power (), and Potomac Edison () customers are the same, except you cannot switch to BGE or any other different utility company. Remember: your utility company stays the same regardless of your supplier! Don’t worry, Illinois, it’s time to take a look at your options:
If you live in Illinois, your utility company is ComEd regardless. But since you’re in the list of deregulated states, you can choose your energy supplier. “So what’re my options? Who are they?” I’m glad you asked…

1. ComEd: Comed’s prices are similar to that of ConEdison around $0.08324 per kWh. ComEd is by far the most expensive option in the state of Illinois. If you have not yet taken advantage of the energy deregulation in your state, I suggest you take a look at your following choices!

2. Spark Energy: Spark Energy is the same here as it is in Maryland in every way, except the pricing. Illinois actually has much cheaper prices than Maryland. The average cost is $0.0579 per kWh for 12 months, or $0.0697 per kWh for 6 months.

3. Energy Me: Energy Me explains their green energy process well. You can purchase your electricity from a renewable source using wind generators if you would like, while still keeping their low price of $0.570 per kWh for 12 months, or $0.589 per kWh for 24 months.

4. Champion Energy Services: Champion is the final choice out of Illinois’ limited possibilities, coming in at the lowest price in the state at $0.055 per kWh. Champion also takes pride in their 100% renewable energy plans for Illinois residents. All of their energy in these plans is generated entirely from wind turbines. If you are looking for cheap, green suppliers Champion Energy would fit your needs perfectly.

Many people are tired of high energy bills, if you want lower energy prices, or were wondering “Where does my energy come from?” then hopefully I’ve put you on the right path. There are many options, and this is just a brief overview, but if you want to know more about a company, you’ll have to do individual research on the companies in your area. If you decide you want to switch, you can make it easier by using a company that allows you to compare electricity rates.

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5 Ways To Save Energy

Posted by on March 27, 2013

5 Ways to Save Energy

Winter is ending and the hot summer days are sneaking up on us. Summer and winter are the two times of the year that many households use the most energy. In many cases an automatic heating/cooling system is in place that kicks on whenever the temperature goes above/below the specified temperature. These systems end up causing higher energy bills, which we all hate. Everyone wants to keep their house comfortable, but everyone also wants to keep their bill as low as possible. So, what’s the happy medium? Here are 5 ways to save energy at home:

  1. Control the Thermostat

It’s tempting to just set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature and leave it there all day and all night, 24/7. Unfortunately, this is not the most energy efficient way to heat/cool your home. Adjust your thermostat to appropriately match your activities. What do I mean by “appropriately match”? If you’re planning on going out, raise your thermostat to around 80º, whether you’re going on vacation or just off to work for the day. This will put a lot less strain on your system while you’re out. When you get back change it back to your favorite temperature.

  1. Change Your Energy Supplier

Did you know that your energy supplier is possibly not the only choice for your area? Believe it or not, they likely have competitors and those competitors have lower prices! For example, if you live in Maryland, you have probably used BGE and assumed you always would. BGE’s current rate in Baltimore is $0.8964 /kWh. One competitor, ConEdison Solutions, has a current running rate of $0.819 /kWh. Switching your energy supplier can be tremendously easy and won’t eat up the entire day. Don’t worry though: your bill still comes from BGE, just with the lower rate in place! You will notice a difference immediately. Point Click Switch provides Maryland and Illinois with the ability to compare electricity rates free of charge.

  1. Using Mother Nature

You’ve probably seen those houses that have those huge trees next to their home. Accident or not, those trees can reduce energy by up to 25%. You can plant trees to the south and west sides of your home can provide you with some significant shade. After all, your home’s temperature all depends on the sun. The more shade the better when we’re looking at energy efficiency.

  1. Unplugging Electronics

Think about it: how many electronics are in your house and are plugged in at a time? Now, how many of those are in use? Some electronics can be serious energy-suckers! Some common examples we leave plugged in too often are:

  • TVs
  • Toasters
  • Computers
  • DVD Players
  • Blenders
  • Fax Machines

The large ones, such as TVs, can suck many Watts up while not in use. If you aren’t using these, just unplug them. Finally, be sure to turn all of your lights off when they aren’t needed. If you’re downstairs all day, don’t leave the lights on upstairs. These are simple yet effective ways to reduce your energy bill.

  1. Small Everyday Item Changes

We have many household items that we use every day that could be used to lower your energy bill! Purchasing certain home renovations can significantly reduce your bill. “Renovations? I don’t have that kind of money!” Renovations don’t always imply large projects. Actually, minor changes such as the light bulbs you use, how often you change the filter in the dryer, and keeping doors closed can keep the temperatures around the house constant, instead of constant fluctuation.

Saving energy may seem to be a daunting task, but in the end it’s all about being energy conscious. Most of the tips you find, you’ll read once and assume they are too simple to work, when in fact the simple tips are the most effective. Each of these 5 ways to save energy can be put to work today (with the exception of growing trees overnight). Don’t be fooled: you don’t have to spend huge sums of money just to save money.

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