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All posts in Suppliers

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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How Does Wind Energy Work?

Posted by on October 20, 2013

All of our homes are powered by some method of energy production, but the method that your company uses to produce it varies. There are many different ways to produce energy, such as wind energy, solar energy, hydroelectric energy, and more; Of the types of energy, wind energy is one that people have a general idea of how it works, but not exactly. First up, to catch some people up: what is wind energy and why do we use it?

 

What is Wind Energy?

 

Wind energy is a method of energy production that converts wind energy into something useful, such as electricity. We use wind energy for one simple reason: theoretically, we can farm an infinite amount of wind because we will never run out of wind to turn the turbine blades. We are limited to the amount of coal and oil in our planet and have yet to find a way to create them manually. Wind energy, however, can provide us with a huge advantage when it comes to conserving natural resources. Because of this, it can often be found cheaper than other options where the energy is generated by fossil fuels such as coal.

 

How Does Wind Energy Work Exactly?

Before you make a decision on whether or not you are for or against wind energy, there’s a few things you should know:

 

  • It can be costly, but not always
  • It is completely nature-dependent

How wind energy works

Let’s start with how the wind energy is actually created. To start, wind blows the giant blade turbines. These blades range depending on usage, but for our purposes we’ll assume they’re powering the national power grid and being distributed to your home. These turbines are about 328 feet tall and have 116 foot blades. Turbines can be taller or shorter, depending on the manufacturer and area. These blades turn and spin a generator shaft inside at the top of the tower. When a generator shaft spins, energy is produced through friction and can be distributed via wires, such as those found outside of your home right now. The blades spin at an average speed of about 15-20rpm, which is about 138-190mph. Once it is in the wires, it is connected to the national power grid, your home, or anything else you want to power! They can also be distributed to power plants for storage and can be used later.

 

Next up: how much does it cost? On average, a wind turbine is quite expensive to build, which can cause higher energy prices depending on how many are built and the company that uses them. Believe it or not, they can cost between $1.3 million - $2.2 million per turbine to install! A wind farm can have any number of turbines they want, but they usually have about 2-3 dozen. Wind farms are quite expensive, but they also produce free, easy to distribute energy. With the speed they travel and location they are set up (generally higher elevations), they can generate thousands of dollars in energy per day. It pays for itself eventually, and the taxes the companies can take out on it are pretty significant.

How Does This Affect Me?

 

You can save money by switching to an energy supplier that uses wind energy because it costs them less to actually produce the energy than it does using most other methods. How much you save depends on your area and your energy suppliers. Clean Currents offers a 100% wind powered energy plan for you to purchase. If you live in the MD, DC, IL, we got you covered: visit our Switch Now page to find out what energy suppliers in your area are charging per kWh and switch to the cheapest supplier for free.

 

For more information visit these sources: http://www.windustry.org/resources/how-much-do-wind-turbines-cost

http://exploringgreentechnology.com/wind-energy/how-does-wind-energy-work/

 

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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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Supplier Profile: Pepco

Posted by on September 16, 2013

Pepco is an energy supplier for DC and Maryland residents and businesses. They supply both gas and electricity for their customers and offer competitive rates with the largest Maryland supplier: BGE. With energy deregulation you now have a choice to choose your energy supplier. Fortunately, we’re here to give you all the facts about each supplier throughout Maryland, DC, and IL.

 

Lower Price Energy

The first thing people think of when they hear “gas and electric” is the cost. How much does it cost? We don’t blame you! After all, it’s a huge commitment and hundreds of dollars are normally put into gas and electric no matter who your supplier is. With 117 years of experience, Pepco has learned quite a few things. For example, reliable energy and lower prices are what people want. Pepco’s current rate is $0.941, compared to BGE’s $0.10474 rate. But in order to fully understand Pepco and what they offer, the price is only one (respectably large) part of the big picture.

 

Choosing Pepco

Pepco’s biggest focus is on their customer’s satisfaction. If you’re not happy, they’re not happy. When are you not happy with your energy supplier? Probably when you’re electricity is out! Pepco’s lines need to be reliable from start to finish. If Pepco’s lines are down, your electric is out. From December 2011 to December 2012, they worked diligently to improve feeders, trimmed trees, and replaced servicing cables to work more efficiently and safely. Since this time, they have reported that their average number of outages per customer decreased by 30%. That’s customer service!

 

Termination Fees

As with a lot of the energy companies, there are fees associated with everything. When switching, it’s important to look at termination fees, early cancellation fees, and the like. Sometimes, these can add up to over $200! Pepco has a catch, though: you are charged separately for supplying the electricity and distributing the electricity to your home. In most cases, switching your supplier means you keep your distributor (BGE for Maryland Customers). Pepco works as both a supplier and distributor, which means your bills will come from Pepco. This will not be a new fee as BGE offers a similar charge for distribution.

So if you’re looking to switch energy suppliers, check out the pricings, and consider Pepco as a potential supplier and distributor. If you’d like to compare Pepco to other suppliers, visit: http://www.pointclickswitch.com/ and use our comparison tool. Contact us with any questions or concerns and we’ll be happy to address them.

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Supplier Profile: Horizon Power & Light

Posted by on September 10, 2013

Horizon Power & Light is an electricity provider throughout the Northeast that is particularly known for their fixed rate programs and customer service.

 

Low Price Energy

Horizon Power & Light is an electricity supplier that services for Maryland, DC, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Most of us check the price before anything else, so we’ll cut straight to it to save you time: PEPCO’s current rate is about $0.0964 per kWh compared to Horizon’s current rate of $0.0873 per kWh. In pure numbers, Horizon’s rates are saving you anywhere between $36 and $130 per year just by switching from PEPCO. Horizon is a company that stays focused on providing its customers with the most reliable electricity. However, perform your research before switching to any alternative energy company because there may be hidden fees and variable rates.

 

Choosing Horizon Power & Light

Horizon Power & Light is available for homes and businesses alike to switch to using the energy deregulation bill passed by the government. Deregulation now allows for you to choose your electricity provider to encourage competition among companies and to allow for various pricing and marketing methods. Originally, utility companies provided the electricity for you and delivered it themselves; however, now you can switch to another supplier such as Horizon as the source of your electricity. Horizon’s goal is to give their customers affordable contracts that are easy to understand with exceptional customer service.

Taking a quick look around the Web at customer reviews of Horizon will show you that they do what they say they do: they provide low priced electricity with great customer service throughout the switching process. After switching, you will not use Horizon for any problems related to the delivery of electricity to your home, unless it was cut off by Horizon. For these types of problems, you should contact your utility provider, which is still the company that delivers your energy bill to you each month.

 

Hidden Fees

If you switch to Horizon and do not switch away, you will have no issues with their service. If you do decide you don’t like or want Horizon for whatever reason, there is a $150 cancellation fee that most companies in DC seem to be following, with the exception of Nextera Energy. Their contract is a 1 year (12 months) fixed rate, which you will need to renew at the end of the cycle. Horizon will remind you to renew the contract a few days before the end date as a courtesy.

 

Switching Energy Suppliers

If you are a resident or business in DC and are interested in Horizon Power & Light, we at Point Click Switch are ready to switch you over from your current provider and save you money on your monthly energy bill. If you want more information on the options available in Illinois, compare energy rates between the various companies and find all of the basic money saving facts for you to use in making your decision. Once you decide on a company, fill out a quick 5 minute form and that’s it! We do the rest, absolutely free. If you have questions on energy deregulation or switching energy suppliers in general, contact us.

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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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Supplier Profile: Spark Energy

Posted by on July 25, 2013

Spark Energy is a nation-wide provider of low-cost electricity and natural gas offering significant savings to homes and businesses from California to New York.

Founded in 1999, Spark Energy was one of the early pioneers in the retail energy business since the deregulation of energy providers.

 

Low Price Energy

 

Spark Energy uses its buying power and expert knowledge of energy markets to purchase electricity and natural gas at very competitive prices, and then they pass the saving onto customers, like you. As a company, they not only offer a 12 or 24 month fixed price on energy, but they also offer consumers knowledgeable tips on energy conservation that lower the energy bill. In addition to saving you money, Spark Energy also supports numerous charities within the consumer’s community. Spark Energy is a company that is concerned with the growing need for energy conservation and the needs of communities across the nation.

Choosing Spark Energy

 

Spark Energy has tailored our business to consistently deliver low energy rates, quality products, and unbeatable customer service. Spark Energy ensures that the switch from your current provider isn’t complicated because they handle everything.

 

Today, they continue to leverage the extensive energy experience of our executive team to deliver lower energy costs, a better customer experience and support for the communities they serve. That foundation of savings, service and support is what has allowed them to remain strong and stable during the tough times and thrive during the good.

Termination Fee

 

Spark Energy offers low pricing on kWh and a 12 month or 24 month fixed rate. There is one fee that is required. If you try Spark Energy and feel that it is not the company for you, there is a $100 termination fee – which is subject to change depending on the area in which you live.

 

So if you’re looking to switch energy suppliers, check out the pricings, and consider Spark Energy as a potential supplier. If you’d like to compare Spark Energy to other suppliers, visit: http://www.pointclickswitch.com/.

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Supplier Profile: Clean Currents

Posted by on July 22, 2013

Since 2005, Clean Currents has helped 10,000 individuals and 3,000 businesses make the switch to wind power in Maryland, DC and Pennsylvania. We’ve also donated over $20,000 to community greening projects through our award winning Green Neighborhood Challenge program.

 

Lower Price Energy

 

Clean Currents offers the most eco-friendly energy possible by harnessing wind power – an energy source that is never depleted – to give consumers the best pricing available. Being only in the energy market for 8 years, Clean Currents is one of the younger energy supplying companies available to consumers, but it offers many advantages. Clean Currents offers the most affordable green power in the region, and with green energy, it reduces many of the negative impacts other forms of energy can emit into the ecosystem.

Choosing Clean Currents

 

Choosing Clean Currents as your electricity provider is one of the easiest things you can do to help reduce your business or home’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. And you’ll see a positive impact on your bottom line by building brand value around your sustainable choices. By choosing 100% Clean Currents wind power at home or business, you are actively supporting domestic renewable energy development. Your wallet will thank you, too!

Termination Fees

 

Clean Currents offers low pricing on kWh and a 12 or 24 month fixed rate. There is one fee that is required. If you try Clean Currents and feel that it is not the company for you, there is a $150 termination fee – which is subject to change depending on the area in which you live.
Many other energy-supplying companies offer fixed rates and do not have a termination fee, but Clean Currents offers you a source of green energy reducing your carbon emissions, exceptional customer service that listens to all its consumers and cares, and community engagement where they show up at local events, roll up their sleeves, and help build a greener community.

So if you’re looking to switch energy suppliers, check out the pricings, and consider Clean Currents as a potential supplier. If you’d like to compare Clean Currents to other suppliers, visit: http://www.pointclickswitch.com/.

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Supplier Profile: Commerce Energy

Posted by on July 15, 2013

There have been numerous shifts in the energy supplying business. The people have spoken and the government has responded. Deregulation of the energy business give you, as a consumer, the choice of your energy supplier to get the best rates possible for your energy needs.

 

Lower Price Energy

There are many advantages of deregulation. First, it allows for competitive rates which encourage energy retailers, like Commerce Energy, to offer more competitive rates. Secondly, deregulation gives an opportunity for energy companies to offer innovative products that allow you to benefit from a variety of product options and features that may have otherwise not been available to you. For example, Commerce Energy offers a green product that allows you to offset up to 100% of the negative impact of your household energy consumption with renewable power and/or carbon emission reduction projects. Thirdly, there would be no service interruptions.

 

Choosing Commerce Energy

Commerce Energy’s North American presence, through our affiliate companies, makes us one of the few energy suppliers in the industry with the caliber, scope and depth of experience and expertise to serve 1.8 million customers across North America. Also, you can rest easy with Commerce Energy and knowing that you have chosen an established energy supplier who will be able to meet your long and short-term energy supply needs. Commerce Energy has wholesale buying power, expert industry experience, and strong supplier relations that ensure we are able to offer competitive programs at aggressive rates.

 

Termination Fees

Commerce Energy offers low pricing on kWh and a 12-month fixed rate. There is one fee that is required. If you try Commerce Energy and feel that it is not the company for you, there is a $75 termination fee – which is subject to change depending on the area in which you live.
Many other energy-supplying companies offer fixed rates and do not have a termination fee, but Commerce Energy has the infrastructure necessary to provide you with the unparalleled service you deserve with its 1,200 employees and 400 dedicated customer service representatives.
So if you’re looking to switch energy suppliers, check out the pricings, and consider Commerce Energy as a potential supplier. If you’d like to compare Commerce Energy to other suppliers, visit: http://www.pointclickswitch.com/.

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Supplier Profile: Constellation Energy

Posted by on July 8, 2013

Constellation Energy is an electric supplier in Maryland that provides you the consumer an alternative to your current electricity plan. At Point Click Switch, we provide you as much information about each supplier as possible. This gives you the price per kWh, cancellation fees, and whether your rates are fixed and for how long. Constellation is one of the options for you to switch to if you are located in Maryland. Should you switch to them? Is it worth it?
Lower Price Energy
When it comes down to it, Constellation is cheaper than BGE, but not the cheapest. In pure hard numbers per kWh, they charge $0.0999/kWh; however, this should not be the only factor you look at when choosing your energy supplier. Constellation actually has many different electricity plans for you to choose from, which makes the total cost of electricity from them inconsistent with many other companies. One other option we provide you with in terms of switching is a 24 month fixed rate, which is lower at $0.0925/kWh. Though it is cheaper, it’s also locked in for 2 years, in case the rates go up. The $0.0999 rate is a 1 year fixed rate, which may be better for you if you’re unsure of the switch. After your contract time has ended, you can always switch to another company. Keep in mind Constellation also has a $150 cancellation fee.
Green Methods
Constellation Energy has many electric plans to switch to. The 2 plans we have talked about so far are both fixed rate plans. Constellation also offers variable rate plans, which many customers choose for the flexibility. The final and oftentimes most important plan is a green or renewable wind energy plan. These green plans are for customers who want to use energy produced from green methods. Constellation provides green energy plans for you. In these plans a percentage of the energy produced is generated from wind turbines without harming the environment. For their consumers they use the wind farms located in the PJM territory.
If you’re looking to switch energy suppliers, consider all of your options as possibilities and look into them individually. Constellation Energy is an option for Maryland residents to look into and hopefully even switch to. This profile should give you a brief quick understanding of Constellation’s methods and pricing, but if you want to switch visit our Maryland energy comparison page. Each energy supplier listed serves the entire state of Maryland.

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