Finding The Right Energy Provider

By Author: Mel Joelle
Total Articles: 4328
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There was a time not too long ago when the only significant public concern on the topic of energy was having access to it, and being able to afford it while keeping lights on, buildings cool on hot days, warm on cold days, and machines running to keep the functions of society in check. Coal and petroleum have been in use for thousands of years to fulfill the purpose of providing energy, transforming traditional societies into modern societies through both industrial revolutions, and are still the primary means of energy consumption in the world.

In light of the Kyoto Protocol and growing public awareness of the environmental effects of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the dawning effect of using these limited resources, everyday people are beginning to explore energy alternatives that are both renewable as well as kinder to the environment. By the same token, proponents of these more conventional and environmentally hazardous sources like coal, and more recently developed nuclear power, are trying to find ways to use more eco-friendly models to refine their processes before they become clear losers to hydro-electricity, ...
... wind and solar power, geothermal energy, and biomass among others. This makes it a somewhat perplexing decision for consumers currently in the market for a new energy provider.

Natural Gas is another vital component of the nation's energy supply, accounted by the Energy Information Administration as 24% of energy consumed in the nation annually. Although natural gas is the cleanest of all fossil fuels for the environment, it is not a renewable source, being made up primarily of methane and other slow cooking gases. One alternative that some consumers have caught onto is biogas, a renewable energy that can be produced from organic wastes and used for cooking, lighting, heating and other purposes. If cleaned, the biogas can be put directly into a natural gas grid. Replacing natural gas with biogas can qualify for renewable energy subsidies in some parts of the world, and it is a cheap way to sustain energy while recycling waste materials. Still, critics question its environmental safety, as there is a risk involved in the harvesting of recycled gases that would escape into the atmosphere during the manufacturing process.

While natural gas and its alternatives are generally more efficient uses of energy than electricity, there are renewable electricity sources in some areas that are more eco-friendly than fossil fuels to foster cleaner air. The most widely used form of renewable energy is hydroelectricity. Many cities that generate energy through a hydroelectric plant seek lower costs while achieving independence over fossil fuels. Its power comes from dammed water being run through a turbine. However, hydroelectricity is actually a major producer of greenhouse gas emissions, and research has shown that the presence of hydroelectric dams have proven disruptive to local ecosystems. One alternative option to hydroelectricity for "green" consumers is to explore solar energy technology.

Solar energy provides electrical generation by means of photovoltaic (PV) installations, such as rooftop solar panels that go for about $4.50/Watt. It is a completely renewable energy source, utilizing the sun's solar power making it the most environmentally friendly energy source. Another sustainable energy source is wind power, derived by wind converted through wind turbines. Wind power, like hydroelectricity, does not require fuel, and it has no emissions directly related to electricity production.

Even with the emergence of renewable energy technologies, nuclear power, and coal plants that are still managing to thrive, their financial beneficiaries are chugging along to find ways to compete in this more environmentally-conscious market. Newer reactors for nuclear plants to reduce radioactive waste and "clean coal" have yet to make a debut, but are apparently in the making, and perhaps will serve consumers in their regions before being replaced by wind power plants.

Accent Energy also known as Dynowatt provides electricity in the deregulated Longhorn State of Texas. Dynowatt provides several electric rate plans including variable price electric plans and fixed price energy plans. Dynowatt's residential electric rates are competitive with energy rates of other retail electric providers (REPs) in Texas. Conveniently, if you need a quote for commercial energy with Accent Energy or Dynowatt, you can contact our sales team.
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