Energy Guides

A utility pole with transformers and power lines against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Utility vs. Retail: Where Your Power Comes From

Alaina Wibberly

Welcome to our Energy Guides! Like most utility services, our electrical supply isn’t something we usually think about until something goes wrong…. Read more

March 1, 2017

A hand places paper cutouts of a house and a family of four on lush green grass. The scene conveys themes of home, family, and security.

The Environmentally Friendly Home

Hayden McGovern

As people become more environmentally aware, they want to make their lives more eco-friendly. For a lot of people, simply making minor… Read more

December 19, 2016

A digital electric meter mounted on a wall displays a reading of 09265 kWh. The device has a circular face with a clear cover, showing text and barcodes. Its installed against a beige siding exterior.

What Is a Smart Meter?

Hayden McGovern

Odds are, your electricity is provided by an electric utility and you have a meter to measure usage somewhere in your home…. Read more

December 16, 2016

A person holding a dusty air filter, removing it from an HVAC system. The filter has visible dirt on its pleated surface, emphasizing the need for regular cleaning or replacement to maintain air quality.

Use Filters to Save Money on your Utility Bill

Hayden McGovern

Your home’s HVAC system is responsible for, on average, 27% of your electricity bill. These systems keep your house at a comfortable… Read more

December 6, 2016

A modern digital thermostat displays a temperature of 72 degrees with blue and orange markers indicating temperature levels. It features plus and minus buttons and a thermometer icon, mounted on a beige wall in a softly lit room.

Can a Smart Thermostat Help You Save?

Hayden McGovern

Welcome to our Energy Guides! There are three types of thermostats currently on the market: analog, programmable, and smart. The analog thermostat… Read more

November 28, 2016

A digital thermostat displaying the word SAVE on its screen is wearing a knitted orange and white woolen hat with a pom-pom, set against a light blue background.

Winter-Proof Your Home to Save Money

Hayden McGovern

As temperatures drop, you might see your energy bill rise. There are many reasons for this: drafty windows, leaky foundations, an open… Read more

November 23, 2016

A person wearing a blue sweater installs weather stripping on a wooden window frame. One hand holds the adhesive strip while the other presses it along the edge, outside visible through the glass. An open window handle is nearby.

Ultimate Home Insulation: Warm & Save Energy This Winter

Hayden McGovern

As colder weather approaches, ensuring that your home is properly insulated is essential for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate and boosting energy… Read more

November 18, 2016

Map of the United States highlighting several states in green, including Texas and several northeastern states. Below, text reads Energy Deregulation 101 on a green background.

Energy Deregulation 101

Alaina Wibberly

How It Happened Before deregulation, the power industry was essentially made up of large, government-sanctioned monopolies. Electric utilities controlled the whole energy… Read more

August 18, 2016

Solar panels arranged in a field under a clear blue sky. The panels are positioned at an angle to capture sunlight, with grass and a partial view of fluffy clouds in the background.

Solar Energy Made Easy

Alaina Wibberly

First of all, you might want to know how solar power works. Solar power is one of the fastest growing alternative energy… Read more

August 10, 2016