The ongoing trend across the US is that utilities are continuingly increasing rates.  The increase in rates is happening in Illinois, North Dakota down to Florida along the east coast.  The reason for this increase in rates ranges is due to a number of issues ranging 0from cost of operation going up to utilities upgrading grids, etc. But they all have one thing in common and that is getting more money from the consumer to cover their cost of doing business. These increases have angered consumers because if these rate hikes are needed, shouldn’t they be targeted toward projects that will lower cost and improve efficiency?  Along with the requested rate hikes, these same companies should also show how improvements will save money and provide a return on investment to customers.  With the direction things are going, rate hikes will continue to be a common practice and these companies will not have to be exposed to any risk in how they run their business; they will just ask for more money.

Why are utilities able to operate under a different structure than other businesses? Is this the best utilities can do? 

Renewable energy can't replace fossil fuels mainly because the fossil fuel industry prevents it. Or Does it? The more we invest in scaling up renewable energy technologies for widespread application, the more costs for renewables fall. The more we invest in fossil fuels, the more costs for fossil fuels rise. That we insist on more of the same instead of pouring efforts into diversification and better alternatives indicates a hurried desperation to get energy despite great risk. This is the the same mindset that brought us the Gulf oil blowout. Meanwhile, we in the U.S. continue squandering time and leadership debating the merits of harnessing the clean, renewable energy that safely powers the whole planet. Clean energy is infinite and dirty energy is finite, so why do we insist on ignoring the obvious? There is still time for the U.S. to capture the energy future and to lead the world into that future. But we have to want to.

There is more to good energy than being green. Utility companies and generators of power are depending more on government legislature than ever before to run their businesses by helping to grow the infrastructure and expand the number of existing plants. This is being acheived by the legislation's passing bills of approval that increase rates to cover costs. Although some rate increases are capped, others are not and in some cases the cap only protects the consumer to a limit. If the consumer is made to pay these increases, the cost is passed on to the business, which may give that business more incentive to pack up headquarters and move out of your state to receive more favorable bottom-line expenditures elsewhere. Will these companies be asking for not only tax breaks when they move but also energy relief?

The United States needs to produce more energy and at the same time become more energy efficient. Energy production needs to be in the hands of the US. The challenging part is turning that concept from idea into reality.  Meeting our nation's energy needs is no easy task and will take years to effect any significant change. Developing and expanding current facilities that produce electricity in addition to the development of green technology to produce more energy all must be achieved on a cost-to-energy ratio that makes sense. 

Google Maps announced it will map the locations of electric vehicle charging stations. Could this contribute to an increase in consumers purchasing of electric cars? It would be great if that were the case and although some states have numerous stations, there just are not enough stations across the country to truly see an impact. Zap My Bill is considering installing charging stations at our office but currently have no employees driving electric cars. Maybe if we installed charging stations employees would feel more secure in purchasing an electric car.

Jason Reynolds, CEO

jreynolds@zapmybill.com

Simple answer: consumers can now choose the company that provides their electricity. The government has loosened or removed regulations on electricity, which means electricity providers now have to compete for your business. This process began with the Public Utility Regulatory Act in 1978 and opened the market to non-utility producers of electricity, effectively laying the foundation of electricity deregulation. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 promoted greater competition in bulk power markets and states were allowed to restructure their energy industry. The process continues today as, one-by-one, states are giving control to the consumer, allowing them to choose their electricity provider and as a result save money.

Government loosening or removing regulations on electricity. This applies to electricity by added competition among electricity providers.  This was started by the Public Utility Regulatory Act in 1978. This opened the market to non-utility producers of electricity. Which created the foundation of electricity deregulation. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 promoted greater competition in bulk power markets. States were allowed to restructure their energy industry that created competition.

Jason Reynolds, CEO

Welcome to Zapmybill! Today we launched our new site to better serve our customers looking to save money on electricity and natural gas. We listened to our customer base and it was clear that some wanted a site where they could register their own energy accounts to receive savings, while others liked having the option to speak with one of our energy consultants. So, please take a look around and tell us what you think!