Heating oil is a primary fuel source for heating homes in the northeast, but natural gas has become more common over the last decade. Essentially, heating oil is older technology. Today, replacement systems and new home builds are either electric or natural gas. Still, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that nearly 5 million households rely on heating oil. Over 80% of those people live in the Northeast.

Heating our homes is an absolute must in the winter, especially when you live in the northeast where temperatures regularly dip below freezing. So what’s the best way to warm up? Is heating oil the better option compared to natural gas? 

In this head-to-head comparison of heating oil and natural gas we’re examining the biggest considerations for energy consumers in the Northeast – cost, convenience and efficiency – to help you figure out which is the best fuel for heating your home. 

Cost of Heating Oil vs Natural Gas

Let’s go ahead and start with the factor that’s at the top of most people’s minds during the winter when energy costs are increasing. In general, natural gas is typically much less expensive compared to heating oil. The average household in the Northeast can be heated with natural gas for approximately $761 from November to March whereas heating oil costs $1,851 during that same period. 

The big disparity in price is because even though they are both fuels, heating oil is based on crude oil prices and natural gas is its own commodity. Natural gas is already cheaper to produce, and the latest EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook report notes that the price of natural gas is down year-over-year. That’s not the case with the price of crude oil, which is relatively unchanged. 

There’s also a unique difference between natural gas and heating oil in terms of paying for it. Heating oil must be purchased in advance to heat a home, unlike natural gas that is paid for after a usage period based on exactly how much you use. That means you’ll need to accurately estimate your heating oil needs or you could end up purchasing more than you need or running out when you need it most. 

Because heating oil is significantly more expensive than natural gas, you may be wondering if you should convert to a gas-burning heating system. Making the switch to natural gas can dramatically reduce your annual heating costs, but the conversion can cost a pretty penny. Most homeowners will pay between $6,000 and $15,000 for a new natural gas burning system. The price goes up for larger and more complex systems. 

It could take over a decade for the energy savings to offset the expense, but switching to a gas-burning system can still make sense for some homeowners. For instance, if you plan to be in your home for the foreseeable future, converting can be cost effective. Homeowners that plan on selling their home in the near future may also want to consider converting to natural gas, which most buyers prefer due to the expense of heating oil. 

The Convenience of Using Natural Gas vs Heating Oil

At no other time is convenience more important than during the cold winter weather. Just getting out of your home can be an inconvenience after inches of snowfall overnight. 

For heating, convenience is a factor in terms of how easy the heating fuel is to acquire and how easy it is to use. When it comes to convenience, natural gas is the clear winner. Because there’s a natural gas line connected to the home, there should always be a ready supply for heating that you can get flowing in moments. 

That’s not the case with heating oil. You have to call a supplier and schedule them to come out and refill your oil tank for the heating system. If you don’t carefully track how much heating oil is used you could be left in the cold, which is far from convenient. 

Efficiency Considerations With Natural Gas and Heating Oil

Something that’s going to impact the amount of heating oil or natural gas that’s used is the efficiency of the fuel source. There are two ways you can look at efficiency: how well the home is heated and how much fuel is needed to heat the home. Here is where heating oil has the edge. 

It’s a good thing heating oil is so efficient or it would cost even more than natural gas. Heating oil is considered more efficient than natural gas because it burns hotter and creates more heat at a faster rate. That means it heats a home quicker and keeps it warm without increasing the heat. It also requires less heating oil to heat a space compared to natural gas. 

Efficiency is closely tied with the eco-friendliness of fuels. The more efficient a fuel is the less it’s burned and as a result there are fewer carbon emissions. The National OilHeat Research Alliance (NORA) estimates that heating oil is 16% more efficient than natural gas. The tradeoff is it releases more carbon than natural gas.

Head-to-head, natural gas is the clear winner for anyone who wants the least expensive heating source that’s also the most convenient option. But if your top concern is efficiency, then heating oil may be the better choice. 

Provider Power can help you secure reliable electricity and natural gas services that will keep you comfortable even when it’s freezing outside. Our reasonable fixed rate energy plans are available in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire. Use your zip code to quickly find available plans!

From election primaries to Facebook posts, there are many ways that technology can be a double-edged sword. It’s made information sharing and connecting with others easier in many ways, but it’s also a serious source of stress and can kill productivity. 

Around the holidays it can be tempting to kick back and veg out with multiple screens going at once, but it may not be as relaxing as you think. Plus, when you’re connected to devices you aren’t fully engaged in what’s happening around you. If you want to make this holiday season more memorable you may want to consider unplugging as much as possible. Here’s why! 

5 Important Reasons You’ll Want to Unplug for the Holidays

Many health experts will greatly encourage you to unplug any time of year, but the holidays may be one of the best times. Here are five of the top reasons why everyone can benefit from unplugging around the holiday season. 

Unplugging Saves Energy

The most obvious upside to unplugging is you’ll lower your energy bill. Using less energy is a natural byproduct of reducing the use of electronics. And the holidays are a time when saving energy is important for a few key reasons: 

• Electricity use tends to increase around the holidays for many people due to decorations, get togethers and being at home more.
• There are usually extra expenses during the holidays when you’re paying for gifts, decor, special events, etc. 
• Cold weather can cause an increase in energy rates, especially the cost of natural gas. 

You’ll definitely maximize the savings if you also charge electronic devices efficiently. For most people, the energy savings is reason alone to unplug over the holidays. But if you need more motivation, keep reading.

Unplugging Helps You Focus on Self-Care

There are a lot of electronic distractions that aren’t the best for our well-being. A lot of time can be spent on things that aren’t that productive and can even be stressful. Social media is a perfect example. While social media can be enjoyable and keep us connected to others, it’s also a serious source of stress and can be a huge time waster.

Wouldn’t that time be better spent on self-care that’s certain to reduce stress and make you feel better? Instead of spending an hour perusing TikTok and Instagram you could workout instead. Or you could practice mindful meditation for 15 minutes a day in the morning instead of scrolling through your newsfeed. Reading a book is also known to be much better for stress, sleep and cognitive function compared to watching TV. 

Try to find at least one way you can trade 30 minutes of screentime for 30 minutes of self-care this holiday season. Trust us, you won’t miss a minute when you’re taking care of yourself. 

Unplugging Helps You Connect With Loved Ones

Technology is amazing for helping you stay connected with loved ones that are far away, but nothing beats in-person interaction. It’s been shown in a number of studies that social interaction with others is great for mental health, but face-to-face interaction beats out online socializing. It’s the better of the two in terms of connection and boosting your mood.

Text and audio-only communication just can’t compare because the communication isn’t as rich. Face-to-face interactions allow for body language cues, making it easier to put all of the communication cues together. Online socializing is better than no socializing at all, but interacting in-person is much more beneficial, especially if you’re completely present in the moment. Putting down the devices to hang out with friends and family one-on-one will be much more rewarding than any interaction on social media. 

Unplugging Can Get You More Involved With Your Community

If you’re looking for more people to interact with outside of friends and family you should consider how you can get involved in your community. You’ll meet people with similar interests, and you can help out neighbors who are in need or improve quality of life for everyone in the community. 

There are so many benefits associated with community involvement in addition to it being a positive social interaction:

• Volunteering has mental and physical health benefits.
• You’ll better appreciate what your community has to offer.
• You can take pride in helping improve your community.
• You can learn new skills.
• It increases your sense of happiness.
• It helps reduce your stress levels. 

Bottomline – being more involved with your community and giving back is great for your wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. 

Unplugging Can Help You Create Healthier Habits

Many health experts are concerned about people’s screentime. Being glued to a screen for hours on end is starting to become a bad habit for many Americans. When you are engrossed in whatever is on the screen in front of you, you aren’t connecting with the people and places around you. It’s also a sedentary activity that’s horrible for physical health. Not to mention it can be a huge time suck that can keep you from doing more productive activities. 

Disconnecting from your devices can help you create healthier habits. Start by spending one less hour a week looking at a screen. Fill that hour with walking out in nature or walking around your neighborhood. Low-intensity cardio like walking is very good for your health, but experts recommend adults do 150 minutes of low to mid intensity cardio a week. So if you can substitute 2.5 hours of screen time a week for walking that’s even better. 

Walking is just one example of a healthy habit that can replace screen time. You could also use the free time to take a professional course to advance your career or take up a new hobby. Even daily meditation or reading time in place of screen time is a better habit for your cognitive health. 

At Provider Power we fully support anyone who is trying to minimize screen time this holiday season. With a fixed rate energy plan you will notice a difference in your energy bill when you unplug before you unwind. 
Take a few seconds to check for energy plans that are available in your area.

Energy is an important part of your everyday life. Without it our homes aren’t livable, many of us can’t do our work and a person’s health can even be compromised. You rely on energy, which means you need an energy supplier with a solid customer care team you can rely on as well. 

At Provider Power we’ve prioritized customer care because we understand it’s the most valuable aspect of the service we provide. Others can deliver electricity and gas to a home or business, but other providers can’t match our level of customer support. Here’s a closer look at why customer care is so important for energy consumers and how user-friendly accounts can make managing energy use even easier.

Why Customer Care is Critical for Energy Consumers

Electricity and gas are basic necessities. Without them, going about your normal daily life is difficult. That’s why when you have a question or an issue with your energy supply, it needs to be addressed quickly. 

A quality customer service team can also help you: 

Get the Best Energy Plan for Your Needs

No one knows our energy plans and how they compare to the competition like our customer care team. Let them know what you need out of an energy plan, and they can provide suggestions, including recommendations for short-term and long-term periods. 

Find Out About the Latest Offers and Deals

Want to know about all of the latest offers and deals that are available through Provider Power? Then contact the customer care team. They have all the details on the latest offers and specials that you can take advantage of to make every kilowatt-hour that’s used more affordable.  

Renew, Update or Switch Plans With Ease

Is it time to renew your energy plan? We make renewing, updating and switching energy plans easy whether or not you’re a current Provider Power customer. All you have to do is let the representative know the plan you want to sign up for and we’ll handle everything else.

Your Opinion Can Improve the Customer Experience

Your experience interacting with the customer care team matters. We want to know if we’re meeting your expectations and where we might be falling short. Hearing from our customers is the best way for us to improve the support we provide, because that’s our #1 goal. 

We’d love to hear your thoughts on:

• What we’re getting right.
• What needs to be improved and how.
• If you can’t find information.
• If an account tool isn’t intuitive to use.
• Ideas for how to improve the account portal.

Basically, we want to hear what you have to say about anything related to your energy use. 

Leaving reviews is also helpful for our customer care team and other potential clients. Reviews provide valuable feedback on the customer experience so we can where improvements can be made. Consumers appreciate honest reviews that provide insight on what it’s like to work with Provider Power. 

Advanced Online Account Features Make Energy Management Easier

If you want to better understand how you use energy, where you can save energy and track energy use over time our online accounts are an excellent resource. Through your account you can also: 

• Access all of your energy bills and records in one place for easy review.
• Manage your energy plan and make updates.
• Send messages to the customer care team.

See what makes Provider Power stand out as a best-in-class energy supplier. Contact our customer care team for personal assistance selecting an energy plan or signing up for service. We’ll handle everything else so you can seamlessly switch energy plans without any service disruptions. 

Use a zip code to find available Provider Power plans in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire!

Get in Touch With Customer Service

Want personal assistance signing up for an energy plan or need help getting a question answered? Contact the customer care team Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm Central.

Phone:

• Electricity Maine- (866) 573-2674
• ENH Power- (800) 549-6160
• Provider Power Mass- (888) 346-4080

General:

• Electricity Maine- customerservice@electricityme.com
• ENH Power- customerservice@enhpower.com
• Provider Power Mass- customerservice@providerpowermass.com

Complaints: officeofthepresident@providerpower.com

Customer Suggestions: CustomerSuggestions@providerpower.com

Maybe it’s because a new school year is starting soon or the seasons are changing, but the end of summer is a time when a lot of people get things lined up for the rest of the year and beyond. It’s as if the summer playtime is over and it’s time to get back to business.

As an energy consumer, getting back to business should include taking a look at your current energy plan and how that vital service can be secured for the months to come. Here are some things to think about as you consider your energy needs for the months ahead. 

Why Locking in a Long-Term Energy Plan is a Good Idea

First, let’s go over why securing energy for the long-term is important. There are three primary reasons why it’s usually a good idea to lock in an energy plan for the long-haul:

Energy Prices Are Volatile and Can Change at Any Time

Energy is what’s known as a volatile commodity. That means pricing is not consistent. The price of energy can go up or down at any time, sometimes significantly. Part of the reason for the volatility is that energy is a global commodity that is impacted by many different factors, some of which can’t be controlled whatsoever. 

Energy Rates Have Trended Higher Historically

When you look at energy rates over the long-term you’ll notice a trend. The cost of electricity and natural gas is getting more expensive. It may drop slightly from one season to the next every now and then, but overall the trend is upward. The latest electricity rate stats from the Energy Information Agency (EIA) paint a pretty clear picture. The year-over-year rates increased in every region of the U.S. New England experienced the biggest increase by far. 

More Predictable Monthly Expenses

Locking in a rate for the long-term makes monthly energy expenses more predictable. You won’t be worried about a world event or storm that could send your energy rate skyrocketing the next month. 

Energy Plan Term Lengths

Energy plans have a lot of variables, and the term length is one of them. Below is an overview of some common term lengths for energy plans.

Month-to-Month

Month-to-month plans offer the least amount of security since the duration is only a month. These types of energy plans do have their place. If you are living somewhere short-term or you know you will be relocating soon, then a month-to-month plan may make the most sense for the moment. It’s also easy to switch providers if you find a great fixed energy rate because there are no termination fees.

12 Months/Yearly/Annual

You’ll be able to find annual energy plans with virtually every provider. It’s a very common term length for energy plans, which many people select as they budget for the year ahead. 

18 Months

You’ll also find longer 18-month energy plans with some providers. Energy savvy consumers will sometimes choose an 18-month plan based on the season to try to lock in the best fixed rate for an extended period. 

24 Months

The longest term many energy providers offer is 24-month energy plans. This term length can offer the most security because you will be set for two years. It’s a good option for homeowners that know they aren’t moving any time soon. 

How the Rate Type Impacts Energy Security

Another variable that directly affects energy security is the type of rate for the plan. Today, providers are coming up with inventive plans that base rates on a lot of different things including demand, how much energy is used and the days when energy is used the most. 

You’ll find a lot of rate structures, but there are four primary types of rates you’ll see for an energy plan:

Fixed Rate

A fixed rate is just like it sounds. You’ll be charged a certain amount per kilowatt-hour no matter what. This is the rate that is going to give you the most energy security because you know exactly how much energy will cost for the entire length of the plan. You’ll also get seasonal price protection because the rate doesn’t change with the season. 

Variable Rate

There are also variable rates that can change. There are different types of variable rates, but traditionally variable rate plans have energy rates that can change from month to month. The rate from month to month is going to be based on the current market prices for your area or some other factor selected by the retail energy provider.

Time-of-Use Rate

The rate for a time-of-use energy plan is all based on when you are using electricity. Typically, a time-of-use plan will have 2-3 time blocks with different rates. For example, a time-of-use plan could have a rate of: 

$0.14 per kilowatt-hour between the hours of 6am and 2pm

$0.17 per kilowatt-hour between the hours of 2pm and 9pm

$0.10 per kilowatt-hour between the hours of 9pm and 6am  

Tiered Rate

This is another type of variable rate. But in this case the rate is based on how much energy you use in a billing period. You’ll start each billing cycle at the lowest rate (tier 1). Once you exceed the baseline allowance of energy use the rate goes up to tier 2. The baseline allowance of a tiered rate is based on the season, so some months you may be more likely to pay tier 2 or tier 3 rates. 

Securing a Long-Term Energy Plan

Securing a long-term energy plan that makes expenses more predictable isn’t hard. As a consumer switching energy providers doesn’t require much effort. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Look over your electric bill to find the current rate and term length details, paying careful attention to when the current plan expires.
• Make note of any fees that are associated with ending the plan early (early termination fee). 
• Check to see what the average energy rates are in your market area and/or state.
• Compare rates, term lengths, benefits and customer ratings for your top provider picks.
• Select a provider and plan that best meets your needs. 
• Sign up for the plan online or over the phone.
• Sit back and let your new energy supplier handle the rest.

Switching energy providers really is that easy. Your new provider will make arrangements with the old supplier and local utility to make sure you experience no interruption in service. 

Rebates That Help You Save No Matter What Energy Plan You Have

Securing energy for the long-haul goes beyond your plan. Making your home as energy efficient as possible is an effective way to keep energy use under control every season. Lowering energy consumption also helps to secure electric grids that are maxed out. 

Currently, there are a lot of incentives and rebates available to help people make energy efficiency improvements. They are offered at the federal, state and local levels. Below are rebate resources for customers in Provider Power market areas:

Rebates for Maine Energy Consumers

Rebates for Massachusetts Energy Consumers

Rebates for New Hampshire Energy Consumers

Provider Power wants every customer to enjoy energy security. Give our team a call to discuss your energy needs and we can give you guidance on what options will work best!

It’s summer again, which means one thing is certain – heat. After a reprieve in the spring, energy consumers are once again thinking about how the seasonal shift in the weather might impact their energy use and monthly electric bills. For many people, the goal in summer is finding the happy place between physical comfort and financial comfort.

We’re helping consumers find the balance so that energy costs don’t get out of control. There are many hacks for reducing air conditioner use, but you can also make lifestyle choices that make it easier to get through the hottest months. Below are five healthy ways you can cool down this summer without using any extra electricity.

Cold Plunge in the Bathtub or Shower

If you’re into the latest health crazes you’ve probably familiar with cold therapy. Many studies now show that there are significant therapeutic benefits to exposing your body to the cold for short periods. In particular, cold water immersion is highly beneficial beyond cooling you down quickly.

Research shows that exposure to cold water can lead to increases in dopamine production, better management of stress, improved insulin sensitivity, protection against cardiovascular diseases and more. Plus, it’s a great way to cool down without using energy since the hot water heater won’t kick on.

True cold water immersion is when you fill a tub with very cold water and sit in the bold water up to your neck for 1-3 minutes. That’s the first piece of good news – it doesn’t take long to feel the positive effects. The other piece of good news is you can get benefits in the shower as well. Instead of sitting in a tub you can stand under the cold water for 1-3 minutes. It’s best to have the water hitting your head or the back of your neck for the biggest health benefits.

What’s most important is the water should be uncomfortably cold, but not freezing. Of course, if you’re trying to chill out during the hot summer months the cold water will be more refreshing than frigid.

Bring Down Your Body Temperature With Breathing

Another healthy habit that’s getting a lot of attention lately is breathwork. Meditation and yoga practitioners have long stated the importance of proper breathing techniques that can be used on their own to relax the body and bring core temperature down.

Deep breathing is considered an effective stress reducer that calms the mind and body. If nothing else, breathing techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which has a calming effect that makes dealing with the heat a lot easier.

One common breathing technique to calm down quickly is deep breathing through one nostril only. You cover one nostril completely, take four deep breaths and then repeat on the other side. Another easy breathing technique is to breathe in deeply through the nose, take another short inhale to completely fill the lungs then slowly breathe out through the mouth.

Surprisingly, a few studies suggest that meditation isn’t the best practice for cooling down. Tibetan monks who are experts at meditation can actually increase their body temperature while meditating.

Stay Hydrated With Cool Water

When you’re hot you may be tempted to pour a glass of ice cold water, but that could end up making you hotter. Research studying hydration in athletes found that cool, not ice cold, water was the most effective at cooling people down. The body’s natural cooling system (sweating) appears to regulate the quickest when a person drinks cool water. Ice cold water might actually increase your temperature as the body works to melt the ice and warm up the cold water.

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Veggies

Summer and popsicles are a classic combination that people of all ages can enjoy, but it isn’t the best way to bring your body temperature down. Instead reach for chilled fruits and vegetables with a high water content. It turns out foods like watermelon are a great way to beat the heat from the inside.

Fruits and vegetables will help you stay hydrated, plus they have minerals that can keep your body balanced for improved body temperature regulation. There’s also very little fat and protein in fruits and vegetables, which is easier for the body to process.

Use Cold Packs Strategically

It turns out there is a way to cool the entire body down by applying cold to the right spots on the body. But where the cold should be applied may surprise you. For years, when someone was overheating we rushed to cover as much of their body with cold water or ice packs as possible thinking that the more they were exposed to cold the better it would be for cooling down. In particular, the focus was cooling down the person’s head.

We now know it’s actually best to place ice packs on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet to cool someone down quickly. The hands and feet are where the highest rate of blood flow occurs, and it’s also where we have special blood vessels that are highly effective at heat removal. As blood moves through the hands and feet it cools the blood that then circulates back to the warm core of the body helping to cool you down. You can also place cold packs on the cheeks and neck to cool yourself down even quicker.

Keep cool this summer with a predictable fixed rate energy plan from Provider Power. See which plans are currently available in your area!