Energy deregulation gives consumers choices when it comes to the companies that provide their home electricity. Suppliers can compete for your electricity dollars in a variety of ways, offering low prices, short and long-term contracts, fixed or variable rates, and a choice in how your energy is generated. The sheer volume of options can seem so complicated that you need to ask an electrician to help you tangle out the pros and cons of the available plans. One area in particular that can trip up consumers has to do with whether the source of their electricity is green or renewable. Read on to learn the difference.

Green Customers are Loyal Customers

Currently, 15 states plus Washington, D.C. have active electricity deregulation programs, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and these states are largely concentrated in the Northeast. Consumers who live in deregulated states are likely to be flooded with energy offers, often promising electricity that is derived from green or renewable sources. Purchasing this environmentally friendly power usually costs a bit more than electricity that comes from more traditional sources like coal, but some homeowners like to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to reducing carbon emissions.

Those customers who go green are valuable to the supplier because they are less likely to jump ship based on the availability of a cheaper energy source. "A customer on a renewable-energy product has actively decided what is important to them and has selected their supplier accordingly," Ritchie Hudson, Pennsylvania chairman of the Retail Energy Supply Association, said to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

A Question of Semantics

However, while many suppliers and consumers treat green and renewable sources of electricity as synonymous, there is a distinction. Green energy is that which comes from specific sources that have the highest environmental benefit, including solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass and small hydroelectric sources, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Meanwhile, renewable energy “includes resources that rely on fuel sources that restore themselves over short periods of time and do not diminish,” which includes all the green options but also other sources such as large hydroelectric dams, which present certain environmental tradeoffs.

That means that if you really want to limit your impact on the Earth as much as possible, go green in lieu of simply choosing renewable energy. You can further refine your choices by asking about the specific source of the electricity, if you have a preference for solar, wind or another option.

Ask an Electrician About Your Options

Deregulated energy markets give you flexibility, but can also sow consumer confusion. If you need help deciphering the offerings of your state's electricity providers, ask an electrician who can walk you through your choices.

Many people are under the impression a ceiling fan is best in the living room. That is the area where you spend the majority of your time and is likely the biggest. A ceiling fan can be a statement piece as well as a functional appliance in a home. It circulates the air and gives the room a fresh, airy feel. Doesn’t it make sense you would want to enjoy that luxury in other areas of the house as well? An electrician in Beverly Hills can help you make your bedroom, a den or even the patio a little more comfortable with the installation of a ceiling fan. The team at The Electric Connection is ready to help.

Ceiling fans are often equipped with lights as well. They serve dual purposes. A ceiling fan in the bedroom is soothing. The gentle whir of the blades provides that white noise that so many people appreciate. It also keeps the air fresh, especially in the summer. You will sleep better at night when you are cooler. Many of us sleep with the window open to get that fresh breeze, but sometimes, it just isn’t a good idea. A Beverly Hills electrician can install the fan for you and you will be sleeping better that night.

You can certainly pick the fan you like the best, but you will want to adhere some basic specifics. The size of the blades and the distance between the ceiling and the blades is important. You don’t want a fan that is too small for the room and a fan that is too big could look a bit like an eyesore. If you have vaulted ceilings, a fan with a remote is your best choice explains an electrician. Beverly Hills homeowners will love being able to turn the lights on or change the speed of the fan from the comfort of their bed. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your bedroom fan installation.

Phil Neal, originally from Massachusetts is Custom Electrical Services new construction manager.  Phil has a variety of responsibilities including overseeing installations, scheduling, and quality control.  Phil is a very experienced electrician in areas such as residential electrical, commercial electrical, service and repair and has received his certification as a licensed Journeyman electrician.

Phil is a 4 year veteran of the U.S. Navy and a 4 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  Phil has been deployed to Iraq and has traveled the globe throughout is military career.  He has a wife Deanna a son and twin girls.  With his free time Phil enjoys spending time with his family and taking his kids to the park.

Thank you Phil for your service and being such a critical park of Custom Electrical Services!

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One of the biggest complaints homeowners have is the lack of bathrooms in the house. Older homes are often only built with one bathroom. In fact, there are plenty of newer homes that are only built with one bathroom as well, but at least three bedrooms. That seems to be an industry standard—three bedrooms and one bathroom. It isn’t enough for most families. Our lives are busy and we simply don’t have the time to wait our turn in the bathroom. Adding a bathroom is one of the best solutions and it will add significant value to your home, while making your life easier. An electrician in California can help you with the electrical portion, while you or your contractor completes the actual construction. The team at The Electric Connection has a professional staff that will help you fulfill your home renovation project in a timely manner.

When you choose to invest in a bathroom addition, you are getting the luxury of designing the room to your needs. You have plenty of choices to make about the size and whether or not you want it to be a full bath or simply a toilet and sink. Once you have made that decision, it will be time to start thinking about the fixtures. You will need a California electrician to take care of wiring the space with outlets and lighting.

If there is one place that needs extra outlets, it is the bathroom. Your electrician will install as many as you need and because it is the bathroom, GFCI outlets will be your best choice. This can protect against electric shock. No matter if you decide to do the construction yourself or hire a contractor, you will need a certified electrician to complete the electrical work. Give The Electric Connection a call today and schedule your bathroom remodel.

As a rule, the bottom of any hanging light should be at least 6’8″ off the ground – unless it’s over a table or island. When you have an 8′ ceiling, this doesn’t give you a whole lot of room to play. If you long for the grand impact of a decorative

A room with a single light fixture is depressing. Kick the shadows by adding multiple light sources. A few stylish flush-mount ceiling lights. Some table lamps. An accent light here or there. When you have multiple lights shining in different directions, the space will feel lighter and more open. Make sure to place ceiling lights at least 3′ from the wall, any closer and harsh shadows will make your ceiling seem lower.