The Power of Community During the Holidays

The holidays are a time for giving, but it’s also a time for receiving. And it’s the time of year when goodwill is abundant. If you find that you’re facing challenges this holiday season and need a helping hand, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There’s state and local assistance for paying energy bills as well as making home improvements that increase comfort and energy efficiency.

We’ve broken it down by state so it’s easy for Provider Power customers to find community support and assistance in their area this holiday season. 

Getting Energy Assistance in Massachusetts

Massachusetts may be the second-most energy efficient state in the country according to WalletHub, but utility bills are still difficult for some people to pay, especially in the winter months. Turning off the heat isn’t an option when temperatures are freezing outside. Luckily, there’s assistance for those who need it, and many programs include heating costs.  

Energy assistance programs in Massachusetts include:

  • Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program HEARTWAP for heating systems that’s administered by local Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
  • Federal Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
  • The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund
  • Free energy assessments from MassSAVE

There are additional assistance programs offered by the utility companies. You can check with your local utility to see which programs are available and who qualifies. 

New Hampshire Energy Assistance Programs

In some states, cooling adds the most to the utility bill. But in New Hampshire, 40% of the energy bill is from space heating. It’s not just a matter of the cold weather. There are many homes in New Hampshire built decades ago so they aren’t energy efficient.

New Hampshire is one of the states that offers direct financial assistance with electric bills. The Electric Assistance Program (EAP) helps cover 5-86% of monthly electric bills. The assistance is based on household size and income. Households that are eligible will receive assistance for 12 months. 

State residents can also receive help with energy costs through:

  • New Hampshire Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Federal WAP program
  • Gas assistance programs through utility companies
  • State Fuel Assistance Program (FAP)
  • State natural gas efficiency programs
  • Energy assistance initiatives from CAAs
  • Assistance with weatherizing a home, available from local utilities and community action agencies
  • Home energy audit programs 

Another way to save on energy-related expenses is through rebates. NHSaves.com provides information on rebates for energy audits, water heaters and more.   

For more information, check out our article on energy saving programs in New Hampshire.

Energy Assistance and Weatherization Assistance in Maine

Sitting up in the northeast corner of the country, Maine is no stranger to the cold. The temperature regularly dips down below zero degrees, which means adequate heat is a must inside homes. That’s why there are a variety of assistance programs focused on helping Maine residents improve energy efficiency in the winter as well as financial assistance for paying energy bills that can increase significantly. 

Assistance programs that help with energy expenses in Maine include:

Many cities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine have additional assistance programs and community resources that can help make energy costs more manageable. The assistance may be open to all local residents or based on factors like income and need. What’s most important is knowing that there’s no shame in getting help with the necessities in life when you need it. These programs exist for a reason, and the people administering them are more than happy to help out.

At Provider Power we can help you manage energy costs with fixed rate plans that make utility bills more predictable. Use your zip code to find Provider Energy plans in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

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Save Energy Exploring New England’s Coastal Towns This Spring

One of the best things about spring is the great weather. It’s perfect for taking a day trip or a weekend getaway to explore a nearby locale. Getting out to explore new places is beneficial in a lot of ways, including for your energy bill. 

Right now is prime travel time for people in the northeast who want to explore New England’s uniquely beautiful coastline. There are dozens of quaint villages with tons of character as well as bustling vacation spots that attract people from all over the country. No matter what type of experience you’re looking for, we’ve found seven New England coastal towns that won’t disappoint. Plus, we’ve provided a few suggestions for saving energy while you’re away.  

New to New England? This checklist for moving to New England will help you get things done so you have time to tour around the area. 

7 New England Coastal Towns to Explore in Spring

Nantucket, Massachusetts

If you’re looking for a beach town, Nantucket is the perfect spot. New England isn’t known for its beaches, but Nantucket is one of the exceptions. Most notable is that every square foot of the beaches are public. There’s also a lot of variety in one place. You can find gentle waves at Children’s Beach or sizable waves on the south shore. If you want to get close to the sealife, make time to visit the Coatue Wildlife Refuge.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Want more of a vintage beach vibe? You can’t get better than Cape Cod. It’s actually a collection of small towns that have largely remained unchanged for decades. Many consider Cape Cod to be the epicenter of Americana culture, and it’s easy to see why when you visit. At every turn there are American flags, lighthouses and artwork that amplifies pride in the USA. If you’d prefer to get out in nature than go shopping, check out the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Watch Hill, Rhode Island

If stunning views are what you’re after, Watch Hill won’t disappoint. The town sits high up on a cliffside where you can see the Atlantic Ocean, Pawcatuck River and Little Narragansett Bay. With all the water around it’s not surprising that sailboating is a major pastime in Watch Hill. Visitors all enjoy kayaking up the river and fly-fishing. While you’re in Watch Hill stop by The Preserve for a full day of outdoor activities. 

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard is a regular retreat for professionals that grind away in Washington, D.C. and New York City. If you’re there over the weekend you’re likely to see a politician or two. But what you’ll really want to check out is the beachfront real estate. Martha’s Vineyard is home to some of New England’s most impressive houses from elaborate, cozy cottages to expansive mansions.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly spot where kids of all ages can take part in activities. This historic town is where you’ll find the well-known Acadia National Park. The 2.2-mile Ocean Path bike trail and 45 miles of carriage roads have earned Bar Harbor the designation of being one of the most bikeable beach towns in the country. 

Mystic, Connecticut

You may have heard about the movie Mystic Pizza that launched Julia Roberts career. That pizza joint is in Mystic, CT where you’ll find many other attractions and museums. It’s a great getaway for anyone who wants to use their vacation time to learn something new. Visit the Mystic Aquarium to learn about the local aquatic life, stop by the Mystic Seaport Museum for a look at a fishing village from the 1800s or stroll through Olde Mistick Village for modern day shopping in beautiful historic buildings with unique stories. 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

People come to Portsmouth to sample the fresh seafood, take a relaxing stroll around Market Square and enjoy live entertainment at Prescott Park once the sun goes down. It’s more active than many other smaller coastal towns in New England, which is great for couples or groups that want to relax during the day then have fun experiencing the local nightlife. It’s especially convenient for Bostonians that live just an hour away. 

How to Save Energy While You’re Exploring the New England Coast

While you’re away from home exploring the New England coastline you can help fund your trip by saving energy. Here are a few energy saving essentials for travelers.

Put the Programmable Thermostat in Away/Vacation Mode

The biggest energy saver is going to be adjusting your programmable thermostat. Hopefully you’ve already made adjustments to your thermostat for summer energy savings, but you can save even more by using the Away or Vacation setting rather than your normal daily schedule. 

The Away/Vacation setting overrides schedules that you’ve created. Instead of going by the regular presets, when a thermostat is in Away/Vacation mode it will automatically adjust the temperature for optimal savings rather than comfort or preference.

Put Smart Bulbs on a Schedule

Hopefully, you’ve also invested in at least a few smart LED bulbs. Smart LED lighting not only lowers energy use, it also improves safety and security at home while you’re away. You can set the bulbs up on a schedule so they only turn on for a limited amount of time each day. That way you can conserve energy, but it will still look like someone is home controlling the lights.

Plug in Smart Power Strips

You can go a step further and eliminate vampire power from wasting energy while you’re away by using a few smart power strips. You’ll be able to completely cut the power to electronics that are in standby mode, and you can control devices remotely in the event something needs to be turned on or off. If you don’t have smart LED bulbs you can plug a lamp into a smart power strip and control lighting remotely that way.  

You can count on Provider Power to supply reliable electricity when you’re at home or away. We serve communities throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine. Check to see which Provider Power energy plans are available in your area.

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5 Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill in New Hampshire This Fall

This time of year in New Hampshire we’re starting to feel a reprieve from the warmer temperatures, but the winter cold isn’t right around the corner yet. It’s the perfect balance between the summer and winter seasons, which means it’s the ideal time for saving electricity. Let’s take a look at what New Hampshire residents can do in the fall to lower their electricity now and in the months ahead.  

Open the Windows to Let Fresh Air Flow Through

One of the simplest, easiest and most affordable ways to save electricity is to turn off the AC and open the windows up when it’s cool out early in the morning and later in the afternoon or evening. Not only will it help the house cool down naturally, it will also circulate in fresh air for improved air quality.

In New Hampshire during early fall the temperatures drop to 50-60 degrees at the coolest parts of the day. If you open things up strategically you might be able to completely forgo the AC and furnace during the whole season and significantly lower your electric bill.

Get the Furnace Serviced

Now is a great time to get your furnace serviced for the winter season since you may be tempted to turn on the heat at night when temperatures drop below 60 degrees. Professional servicing helps extend the life of the furnace and can improve energy efficiency. Beyond cleaning and replacing worn parts, you’ll want to check the insulation around the furnace ductwork. Adequate insulation will ensure heat isn’t lost in the unlivable cavities of the home.

Weatherize Over a Weekend

Energy efficiency experts recommend weatherizing a home once a year, and early fall is also the ideal time for this type of home maintenance. It helps to get your home prepared for the winter so you aren’t faced with easy-to-fix problems that make your home less comfortable, increase energy use and raise your electric bill.

Fortunately, weatherizing is fairly easy even for a novice DIYer. Here’s a quick checklist of what to do to weatherize your home:

  • Replace worn weather stripping around the exterior doors.
  • Install or replace worn weather stripping around the door to the garage and/or basement.
  • Caulk around the exterior doors and windows.
  • Caulk any gaps in the foundation and exterior seams of the home.
  • Add insulation to exterior pipes going into the home.
  • Inside the home add caulk to fill gaps around outlets and baseboards.

Take a look at our Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit Checklist for even more ways to weatherize and improve energy efficiency.

Limit Hot Water Use

When people are trying to conserve electricity to lower their energy bill, water use isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, the hot water heater is a pretty big energy consumer. And if you have an electric water heater every drop of hot water adds to the electricity bill.

  • Start by checking the temperature setting on your hot water heater. Set it to 120 degrees or lower. For every 10 degrees that it’s lowered energy use goes down by 5%.
  • Always turn on the cold water, not the hot water when using small amounts of water. If you use the hot water setting it will likely cause the water heater to start up, but the hot water won’t make it all the way out of the faucet by the time you’re done. It essentially starts up the hot water heater for nothing. 
  • Try to limit showers to no more than 10 minutes. Make the water use really count by washing your face, brushing your teeth, etc. while you’re in the shower.
  • Opt for showers rather than baths. A hot shower uses about a third of the water needed to fill a standard bathtub.

Look Into the Electric Assistance Program

New Hampshire has a number of energy assistance programs, one of which helps residents save on their electric bill. The Electric Assistance Program (EAP) is a state program that provides financial help for those who are having a hard time paying their electric bill. Eligibility for the program is based on income. Families and individuals that qualify can get a discount of up to 76% on their electric bill.

At Provider Power we’re proud to offer fixed-rate energy plans that make electric bills more predictable. You can lock in the kWh rate for 12 months or more so that you have more assurance and control over your energy costs. Check to see which New Hampshire energy plans are currently available in your area.

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Energy Savings Programs in New Hampshire

Most people already know that energy costs are going up in New Hampshire, particularly electric rates. The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission has already announced that they estimate residential customers served by the utility companies Liberty and Eversource will end up paying $70 more a month for electricity. Customers served by the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative will likely pay $40 more a month on average.

What you may not know is there are state energy savings programs that can help lower costs for many NH consumers. And with the huge increase in electricity rates, more New Hampshire residents may qualify for a program.

Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs

Saving energy is a great first step in lowering utility costs. There are lifestyle changes you can make to save energy and there are also changes you can make to your home. New Hampshire residents that make energy efficiency improvements can get assistance and special incentives to offset the costs of lowering consumption.

It’s an effort on the state’s part to reduce energy consumption and make energy costs more manageable for more people. Since 2003 the state has offered programs to encourage residents and businesses to invest in energy efficiency improvements that lower demand. One way they do that is through incentive and rebates that lower the cost of energy efficiency improvements. These programs are offered through the state government, public utilities and local organizations.

You don’t have to install a solar panel system to get energy efficiency rebates in New Hampshire – although there are state programs for that. There’s a wide range of energy efficiency programs in New Hampshire that help with improvements large and small.

If there’s only one resource that you use to search for energy efficiency programs in New Hampshire it should be NHSaves. NHSaves publishes an updated list of energy efficiency rebates that are offered in the state as well as programs from the utilities.

Natural Gas Efficiency Programs

In New Hampshire, natural gas that’s needed to heat homes is usually in more demand than the electricity needed to cool homes. So it makes sense that the state utilities have energy efficiency programs for making improvements to reduce gas use.

Energy Audit Programs

If you want to know which energy efficiency improvements need to be made you can conduct a home energy audit. Some programs in New Hampshire will help residents with reimbursements or discounts for home energy audits.

Weatherization Assistance Programs

You can get assistance covering the costs of weatherizing your home through a few programs. If you’re served by Unitil or Liberty utility companies you could get kickbacks for energy audits and weatherization in addition to purchasing energy efficient equipment for the home. Some community action agencies also offer incentives for weatherizing a home.

Electric Assistance Programs

You may not be the one who sets electricity prices, but if you’re a residential customer that needs help covering the cost of your electric bill the New Hampshire Electric Assistance Program (EAP) is a valuable resource. Those who qualify can get a discount of 8-76% on their electric bill. How big the discount is depends on household income and size. The Electric Assistance Program is a 12-month program so recipients will need to reapply each year.

Gas and Fuel Assistance Programs

In the winter time in New Hampshire, natural gas and other heating fuels can really escalate in price. Unfortunately, natural gas and other fuels are absolutely necessary for keeping a home safely livable. That’s why the state and utilities offer a few different programs specifically for heating-related costs.

Gas Assistance Program

Liberty Utilities and Unitil-Gas customers can get the delivery portion of their natural gas discounted by 60% if they qualify for the Gas Assistance Program. Qualifying for the Gas Assistance Program depends on whether you qualify for other state assistance programs such as the Fuel Assistance Program.

Fuel Assistance Program

If you heat your home with natural gas or another type of fuel you may still qualify for financial assistance to offset heating costs through the Fuel Assistance Program (FAP). FAP is part of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In addition to getting $158 to $1,575 off fuel costs, the program helps provide emergency fuel delivery and can delay a shut-off.

Qualifying for FAP is a little more involved than other programs. In addition to household size and gross income, eligibility depends on housing type, energy costs and how many heating degree days there are for your area. If you need to replace or repair a tank for storing heating oil you may be able to get help covering the cost through the SAFETANK Financial Assistance Program.

Community Action Agencies

If you need help figuring out if you’re eligible for any of these programs, then contact your local community action agency. There are six community action agencies in New Hampshire that provide assistance to low-income families in an effort to combat poverty and uplift low-income communities. The agencies have their own energy assistance initiatives that are aimed at helping reduce heating and electric costs for those in need. They can also help residents learn about federal and state financial assistance programs.

Provider Power can help customers determine if they qualify for energy saving assistance programs on top of signing up for competitively priced fixed rate energy plans. Check to see which Provider Power New Hampshire energy plans are available in your area.

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Green Home Tips for the New Year

If you prefer that your energy comes from a renewable energy source, it’s safe to say you’re also interested in living as green as possible at home. The concept of going green or living green is always evolving because technology and innovation are giving us new ways to minimize our impact without completely giving up modern-day conveniences.

You’ve probably already started replacing all your old light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs and have already programmed your thermostat for optimal efficiency. Today, we’re covering new green home tips that are just now becoming more mainstream. Let’s see if there are some changes you can make to save more energy!

Use the Lagom Approach at Home

If you are committed to living a greener lifestyle that’s much simpler, then you may want to take the lagom approach in your home life. It’s a relatively new concept in the U.S., but it’s been around in Sweden for quite a while. 

The lagom approach focuses on finding contentment in simple, non-material things. In doing so you become more conscious of the waste you create and the amount of energy needed to support your lifestyle. The approach also encourages tracking and measuring energy consumption to become more mindful of how much you use.

The consciousness that comes from using the lagom approach at home can help you identify where you can be saving energy and how to make greener decisions in the future. 

Invest in the Smartest Home Products

Homes are getting smarter by the day. The dramatic increase in smart home products is a result of huge demand. One of the top reasons homeowners invest in smart products is because they can help you save energy. Some products even boast that they can pay for themselves in a matter of months. 

Books can be written and still not cover all of the new smart home products that were released just last year. But here are a few that we think are worth considering.

Smarter Smart Speakers

If you haven’t gotten an Amazon Echo or Google Nest smart speaker now is a good time. The speakers are more intuitive and better at recognizing voices than ever before. Plus, more and more smart device manufacturers are making their equipment smart speaker compatible. As a result, smart speakers can now act like a hub that allows you to put systems on a schedule and keep them optimized for the biggest energy savings.

Smart Outlets

One of the latest parts of the home to become smart are outlets. Smart outlets have been around for a little while but the new versions are more versatile and allow you to control more with schedules and remote control features. Now there are even outdoor WiFi smart plugs for your exterior. 

Countertop Smart Ovens

Refrigerators have been getting smarter for years, and now it’s the oven’s turn. But product developers aren’t just outfitting conventional ovens with smart features. One of the newest smart device trends is the countertop smart oven. It’s a great option for a tiny kitchen without an oven, but it’s still something to consider if you have a regular stove because it saves energy. With the Brava Oven, you can even watch your food cook with your smartphone.

Get More Technical When Selecting Green Home Products

These days consumers are smarter than ever, and they are much more aware. Many understand that products can be labeled as “green” or “all-natural” without actually being better for the planet. Luckily, there are now tools that consumers can use to gauge how green a house project, materials, or a product will be before buying. Here are a few to try:

EC3 Carbon Footprint Calculator

If you plan to build or renovate your home take the time to check out EC3’s carbon footprint calculator. It can be used to measure the carbon footprint of constructing a home as well as how much energy would be used by the home once it’s built or renovated. 

Product Data Sheets

Take your green shopping to the next level with product datasheets. Most manufacturers will provide product data sheets on their websites. In addition to information on how to use a product and the intended purposes, the product data sheet will tell you about the chemical makeup of the materials that are used to know if they are toxic.

New Low Emission Spray Foam Insulation

One of the most common green home tips is to increase the amount of insulation in your home, especially if areas like the attic are lacking it. It makes sense to want to use insulation with the highest rating for better energy savings. For that reason, many homeowners choose to use XPS rigid insulation or spray polyurethane foam (SPUF) insulation. 

People who are committed to having a green home have shied away from foam insulation even though it has a high insulating factor. Why? Because the emissions associated with foam insulation are very concerning. 

Manufacturers have taken note of consumer’s concerns and there are now low-emission foam insulation products. Instead of using hydrofluorocarbons that can release very harmful gases into the air, new foam insulation products are using hydro-fluoro olefins. You can reduce energy use year-round and worry less about what’s being released into the atmosphere. 

Intelligent Remote-Controlled Watering 

Water is one of the most precious resources on the planet. It’s so precious many cities across the country have instated lawn watering restrictions. If you want to keep your garden thriving and green up your grass without feeling bad about it consider the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller. It’s a high-tech robotic system that allows you to create a custom watering schedule so you stay within the regulations. But that’s not all. You can customize the watering based on geolocation, soil type, and more.  

Another way to decrease your family’s carbon footprint is to choose an energy plan that’s powered by renewable resources. At Provider Power, we offer fixed-rate green energy plans that make renewable power possible for more people. 

Check out Provider Power plans available in your area

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Wireless Electricity: Is It a Real Thing?

These days it seems like everyone is cutting cords, and wireless technology is quickly becoming the standard. We’ve got wireless phones, cameras, and Wi-Fi that can deliver an Internet connection just about anywhere. So it’s only natural that scientists would turn their attention to wireless electricity at some point. 

Imagine not having to plug in to get power. Or homes that don’t need to be connected to electric lines. But is it more of a sci-fi fantasy than a possible reality? Let’s find out!

Wireless Power Isn’t a New Idea

Some people may think that wireless electricity is a novel concept that has come about in the modern Internet Era. But those people would be wrong. Scientists, physicists, and engineers have been working on wireless power for over 130 years. 

Nikola Tesla was among the first to toy around with the idea of creating a system that could wirelessly transmit power. His attempts lead to the creation of the Tesla coil that can produce up to a million volts of electricity. That is the amount needed to transmit electricity wirelessly. Tesla even built the now-famous Wardenclyffe Tower in 1901 with the goal of transmitting electricity from it. 

Where We’re At With Wireless Electricity Today

Tesla laid a very firm groundwork for wireless electricity long ago, which begs the question “why don’t we have wireless electricity today?” 

Although Tesla was very optimistic about the adoption of wireless electricity, his investors were less impressed with the way things were progressing. J.P. Morgan (who funded Tesla’s wireless electricity experiments) pulled the plug on it by defunding the project. Advancements were stopped short, and Tesla’s tower was demolished.

That could have been the end of Tesla’s wild notion that he could transmit electricity wirelessly, essentially for free. But it’s a concept that’s just too enticing to ignore.

Tesla himself realized that transmitting electricity through airwaves proved to be virtually impossible beyond a short distance. However, he discovered the ground was a much better conductor for his methods. Using metal rods buried in the ground, Tesla claimed he was able to power on lightbulbs that were hundreds of feet away from his lab.

Scientists today think wireless electricity is possible, but few agree with Tesla’s approach. They say magnetic induction and microwaves are the keys to transmitting energy wirelessly. Researchers around the world, including a group from Stanford University, are working towards putting the final pieces of the puzzle in place. 

Wireless electricity transmission is actually being used on very small scales right now. For several years, physicists have been able to power multiple devices wirelessly without a direct line of sight for up to 30 feet. Furthermore, the devices being charged were in motion. This was achieved through magnetic resonance coupling, feedback resistors, and voltage amplifiers.

For researchers at Stanford, distance isn’t the issue as much as the amount of power being transmitted. Once they are able to transmit larger quantities of energy and produce wireless power receivers, the researchers believe it is possible for wireless electricity to be used in real-world settings. And it’s a possibility that isn’t far away. There are ongoing wireless electricity projects that hope to produce tangible results by 2031. 

The Advantages of Wireless Power Transmission

Is wireless power something that’s even worth pursuing? Is it worth the hassle to completely transform the electric system across the U.S.? The short answer is – yes.

No More Cords

The most obvious and immediate advantage of wireless power transmission is getting rid of the tangle of cords that keep devices shackled to an electric outlet. They would no longer be needed since electricity is delivered through the air. Not only is it more aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also safer with fewer cords around. 

Wireless Power Transmission Could Decrease Electricity Costs

One of the biggest advantages of wireless power transmission is its promise of free electricity. While electricity wouldn’t be free (it still has to be generated after all), there’s a good chance it would cost less eventually.

The infrastructure for buildings would cost less if electricians didn’t need to wire the whole property. Maintenance of the electric system would be reduced, which decreases the expense of delivering electricity. There would even be less need for technicians to serve as meter readers. 

Implementing new technology typically costs more upfront, but as it’s adopted and becomes more widespread prices tend to decrease even lower than they started. 

Electricity Could Reach More Places

It’s hard to believe, but there are still many places on this Earth where electricity isn’t readily available. Getting electricity to some structures is extremely difficult due to lack of infrastructure, environmental challenges or both. If electricity can be transmitted through the air it would bring power to millions of people throughout the world. 

Electric Cars Could Charge as They Drive

Another major invention of the last century was electric vehicles (EVs). Despite misgivings, demand for electric cars has steadily increased in recent years as concerns over climate change and gas prices have risen. If wireless electricity transmission were possible electric vehicles could charge as they are driven. How far an EV can go on a charge would be a non-issue. 

Less Toxic Waste

Disposable batteries are serious pollutants. In the U.S. alone, almost 3 billion batteries are thrown away each year. The toxic materials inside can leak out and contaminate the soil or water. With wireless power, it’s possible to develop batteries that can be recharged over and over again while in use, thus greatly reducing the number of batteries that need to be made and eventually discarded. 
While we wait on wireless electricity to become a reality, Provider Power can help you tap into the electric grid with the flip of a switch. Just input your zip code to find available electricity plans in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

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Look How You Can Reduce Your Electric Bill During This Pandemic

Staying home almost every hour of the day has been a dramatic lifestyle change for most Americans. Now that we’ve been social distancing for more than a month some people are noticing a change in their utility bills as well.

Being at home more inevitably means more energy will be used than normal. How much more is used is the question. There are a number of things you can do to reduce use and possibly even lower your electricity bill during the current pandemic. Here’s how.

Time Your Energy Use Right

More and more electricity providers are offering a time-of-use plan that set different rates for different hours of the day. The goal is to get people to use energy less during peak hours by making the off-peak hours cheaper.

Most time of use plans is broken into 3-4 time blocks. The lowest rates are generally after midnight until 6 am. The most expensive hours are from around 3 pm to 7 pm. The more you can minimize energy use during the middle of the day the lower your electricity bill will be. 

Smart devices and appliances can help you time things right. Whenever possible set schedules for electronics like the dishwasher to turn on. A programmable thermostat can also help you reduce the amount of electricity needed to keep your house comfortable.

Another thing you can do to time energy use for maximum efficiency is to avoid using the stove, burners, and toaster oven during the middle of the day when it’s the hottest. These appliances will make it feel hotter inside and tempt you to lower the AC. 

Shift Your Sleep/Wake Schedule

Working from home comes with a few benefits. For one, you’ve got more control over your daily schedule. You have the flexibility to shift your sleep schedule so that you’re awake an extra hour or so when it’s sunny outside. 

Of course, if you’re on a time of use plan staying awake an hour later in the evening might actually be more cost-effective because rates typically drop after 9 pm. It all depends on your energy use habits and the variable rates. After crunching the numbers you should be able to find a schedule that minimizes electricity costs. 

Go Out in Your Yard or Patio More

Needless to say, getting outdoors will lighten the energy load. If you have a yard or patio that allows you to keep at least 6’ from others try to get outside for an hour or two every day. 

While you’re outside considering breaking out the grill. It’s the most energy-efficient cooking apparatus that requires zero electricity. 

Those who live in an area where trails have opened back up can venture a little further for more energy-free fun and exercise. Just remember to bring a mask, practice social distancing and try not to touch things along the path. 

Light Up the Night With Solar Power

You can extend the outdoor entertainment and lower your energy bill even more by using solar lights around the deck or patio. A set of 4+ solar lights should provide enough illumination to use the outdoor space after the sun goes down. 

Shorten Your Showers

Let’s be honest. Sitting indoors all day hardly works up a sweat. Shortening your showers even by just a few minutes noticeably reduces water and electricity use. Cut your shower down from 15 to 10 minutes and you could save up to 25 gallons of heated water if you have a non-conserving showerhead.

Clean Your Vents and Air Filters

Free-flowing air feels better now and when you open your electricity bill. Long before the Covid-19 pandemic regularly cleaning air filters was considered best practice. Keeping vents exposed and clean is another step that helps the AC work as efficiently as possible. 

The Department of Energy estimates that changing or cleaning air filters once a month can lower electricity use by as much as 15%

Bonus Benefit: cleaning vents and filters improves air quality. This is particularly important if your access to the outdoors is limited. 

Switch Suppliers

Residents of deregulated energy markets have one more way to lower their electricity bills during the pandemic – switch suppliers.

Electricity rates vary from one provider to the next, and the price of energy fluctuates all of the time. You may discover that another supplier is offering a rate that’s more cost-effective than what you pay now. It never hurts to compare your options when you have extra downtime. 

When you look for providers online pay attention to customer reviews. Like any other service, you’ll want to know that the supplier handles problems and concerns in a prompt, professional manner. Having reliable electricity is extremely important, which is why you want a supplier you can trust.

Before you switch suppliers to look over your current contract if you have one. There may be an early termination fee. 

If you live in Maine, Massachusetts or New Hampshire Provider Power is an electricity company near you! We’re a competitive electricity supply company that delivers unique electric plans and exceptional customer service. Provider Power is here for you – call or go online to make a supplier switch in minutes.

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Social Distancing Tips From Provider Power

Up until a few weeks ago, the term social distancing wasn’t a part of everyday conversation. It was a concept that few people had the first-hand experience with, but now it’s a reality for millions in the USA and around the world. In the wake of the COVID19 pandemic, people are following a stay at home mandates and self-quarantine initiatives in an effort to stop the spread. 

The tips below can help you take social distancing measures without feeling the effects of isolation. 

Replace Social Visits With Video Chatting

If you’re one of the thousands of people who got an Echo for the holidays you may want to send the gift-giver a thank you card. When people were told to stay at home for over two weeks, platforms like Facetime and Echo became a social lifeline that provides face-to-face discussions that are one step away from in-person interactions.

And people aren’t just video chatting one-on-one. Some people are arranging video chat happy hours and dinners with a group of family and friends. You have to make dinner and drinks yourself, but it’s better than feeling like a social outcast. 

Want to organize a virtual movie night? Then check out the Netflix Party Chrome extension. Discord is another option that can allow a group of users to share the screen of one person who’s streaming a movie. 

Zoom use has skyrocketed in recent weeks primarily among professionals and students. The app is designed for work functions and has had high-profile plugs from entertainers like Howard Stern that are producing shows remotely. The video conferencing platform also has special features like filters and backgrounds that take video chatting up a level.

Take a Walk, But Keep Your Distance

It’s kind of amazing how little Americans walk these days. A few years ago researchers like Tom Vanderbilt pointed out that Americans walk less than any other industrialized nation. Part of the reason we stopped walking is the technology that limits the need to travel on foot. Health experts are concerned that quarantining at home isn’t going to help the problem.

If you aren’t at high risk for severe COVID19 illness and keep a safe distance from others (6+ feet), taking a walk won’t break the social distancing rules. Most state parks and trails are closed, but even a quick walk around your neighborhood can be beneficial. The fresh air is good for your pulmonary health and mental state. And walking is actually a great form of exercise that just about anyone can do for free. 

Take a Virtual Class

Catching up on the streaming shows you’ve fallen behind on isn’t the only way to be productive during the self-quarantine period. As many school children can tell you, remote learning is the new norm. 

There are virtual classes for virtually every interest, hobby, and profession. You can take an online driver’s education, join a yoga group or learn how to cook a new dish. At the end of the quarantine, you can at least say you learned something new.   

A few more of our top social distancing tips include:

  • Meditate for five minutes a day – that’s long enough to realize the mind-calming benefits and ease anxiety.
  • Order an adult coloring book online to tap into your creative side.
  • Read up on how to teleconference with your medical team. It’s a good idea any time you may be contagious.
  • Watch a familiar show or movie if you’re home alone. The familiar voices can be soothing even if they come from the TV.
  • Going for a bike ride is another way to get exercise without coming into contact with others.

Provider Power is dedicated to serving our customers during the COVID19 outbreak. We have taken measures to enable our customer service agents to work remotely so that they can stay safe while providing the exemplary assistance you’ve come to expect.

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