Prior to deregulation in 1996, just a few utility companies monopolized the market in New York State. Today, Consolidated Edison remains the primary utility provider in New York City, but customers don’t need to rely on Consolidated Edison as a source. As clearly stated on the Consolidated Edison website, “We deliver your energy, but where that energy comes from is up to you.” This means that if you want to go green, it is no longer necessary to hang solar panels out your apartment window or attempt to erect a wind turbine on your roof. In fact, wind, solar, wind, tidal, and even biogas options are already within reach. Unfortunately, more than twenty years after deregulation, many New Yorkers still don’t realize just how much choice they have on the energy market
What is an Eco-Conscious Energy Provider?
By definition, an eco-conscious or green energy provider is any provider that derives their energy from a sustainable source. Popular sustainable energy sources include solar and wind, but there are also other options. For example, biogas is energy derived from the breakdown of organic matter (and yes, this technically includes human waste). Other sustainable forms of energy include hydroelectric and tidal energy. While hydroelectric relies on the force of flowing water, such as water falls, tidal energy harnesses the power of the ocean’s tides.
Given that the world’s most common non-renewal energy source—petroleum—is expected to be all but depleted by the 2050s, over the coming three decades, everyone will need to embrace sustainable energy. The sooner most of us do this, the more likely we will be to avert a major energy crisis by the mid-21st-century. But how does one make the switch to an eco-conscious energy provider?
Given that the world’s most common non-renewal energy source—petroleum—is expected to be all but depleted by the 2050s, over the coming three decades, everyone will need to embrace sustainable energy. The sooner most of us do this, the more likely we will be to avert a major energy crisis by the mid-21st-century. But how does one make the switch to an eco-conscious energy provider?
How do I Find an Eco-Conscious Energy Provider in My Area?
If you’re moving or just looking to switch providers, the first step is to visit New York State’s Power to Choose site. Once on the site, type in your zip code and then use the site’s tools to narrow your search to green providers. For example, if you type in 10075, a zip code for the Upper East Side, 240 options come up and of these 240 options, 143 are electric providers. If you then narrow the search to green providers, 31 offers appear. (Notably, you can also use Consolidated Edison’s site to search local energy providers, but unlike Power to Choose, the site doesn’t necessarily help you easily limit your search to sustainable sources).
Once you generate a list of potential providers in your area, the Power to Choose online tool enables you to drill down further and choose a provider based on price, contract terms (e.g., a month-to-month or year-long contract), and source (e.g., wind, tidal, solar, or biomass energy or a combination of these energy sources). However, be certain to also visit each listed providers’ website to confirm that they do service your area. While researching this article, several discrepancies were identified, and even the Power to Choose site warns that “some offers shown may not be available.”
Once you generate a list of potential providers in your area, the Power to Choose online tool enables you to drill down further and choose a provider based on price, contract terms (e.g., a month-to-month or year-long contract), and source (e.g., wind, tidal, solar, or biomass energy or a combination of these energy sources). However, be certain to also visit each listed providers’ website to confirm that they do service your area. While researching this article, several discrepancies were identified, and even the Power to Choose site warns that “some offers shown may not be available.”
Eco-Conscious Energy Companies for New Yorkers
Wind
In terms of choice, consumers will find their highest number of sustainable energy options on the wind market. In addition to CleanChoice Energy, Starion Energy NY, Inc., Ambit New York, LLC, Agera Energy, LLC, Greenlight Energy Inc., and Think Energy are just a few of the local providers offering consumers access to wind energy.
In terms of choice, consumers will find their highest number of sustainable energy options on the wind market. In addition to CleanChoice Energy, Starion Energy NY, Inc., Ambit New York, LLC, Agera Energy, LLC, Greenlight Energy Inc., and Think Energy are just a few of the local providers offering consumers access to wind energy.
Noble Chateaugay Windpark in upstate New York (Credit: Noble Power)
Tidal
Have you ever imagined harnessing the ocean’s tide to power your lights or charge your phone or computer? This possibility is now within reach. Utility Expense Reduction, LLC uses a wide range of sources to provide sustainable energy to New York City homes, including tidal power.
Have you ever imagined harnessing the ocean’s tide to power your lights or charge your phone or computer? This possibility is now within reach. Utility Expense Reduction, LLC uses a wide range of sources to provide sustainable energy to New York City homes, including tidal power.
Solar
If your preference is for solar energy, explore CleanChoice Energy. Drawing on solar, as well as wind sources, CleanChoice Energy does lock consumers into a 12-month contract, but the company generally offers better value than Citizen’s Choice Energy. It is also one of the few solar energy sources in the New York City area.
If your preference is for solar energy, explore CleanChoice Energy. Drawing on solar, as well as wind sources, CleanChoice Energy does lock consumers into a 12-month contract, but the company generally offers better value than Citizen’s Choice Energy. It is also one of the few solar energy sources in the New York City area.
Long Island Solar Farm (via Brookhaven National Laboratory)
Biogas, Biomass and Biofuel
Unlike the previously noted sources, which focus on hydroelectric, wind and solar sources, Utility Expense Reduction, LLC is one of the few sustainable energy sources that enable consumers to power their homes on waste (e.g., biogas and biomass).
Unlike the previously noted sources, which focus on hydroelectric, wind and solar sources, Utility Expense Reduction, LLC is one of the few sustainable energy sources that enable consumers to power their homes on waste (e.g., biogas and biomass).
Hydroelectric Options
Citizen’s Choice Energy is one of the most established providers of alternative energy in the New York City area. The company enables consumers to choose from hydroelectric, solar or wind power sources. The company also has an alternative business model. As stated on their website, “Unlike most suppliers we don’t buy energy ahead of time then hope to find enough customers to use what we bought. CCE signs up customers, then looks for opportunities in the market place that make sense, opportunities that position our customers to take advantage of market swings.” Citizen’s Choice Energy is also consumer-focused (e.g., they offer a month-to-month option for anyone who wants to explore the source without locking themselves in to a year contract). However, if you’re looking for a hydroelectric source, Citizen’s Choice Energy is not the only option. Other popular options in New York City include IDT Energy, Inc., Residents Energy, LLC, and Pure Energy.
Citizen’s Choice Energy is one of the most established providers of alternative energy in the New York City area. The company enables consumers to choose from hydroelectric, solar or wind power sources. The company also has an alternative business model. As stated on their website, “Unlike most suppliers we don’t buy energy ahead of time then hope to find enough customers to use what we bought. CCE signs up customers, then looks for opportunities in the market place that make sense, opportunities that position our customers to take advantage of market swings.” Citizen’s Choice Energy is also consumer-focused (e.g., they offer a month-to-month option for anyone who wants to explore the source without locking themselves in to a year contract). However, if you’re looking for a hydroelectric source, Citizen’s Choice Energy is not the only option. Other popular options in New York City include IDT Energy, Inc., Residents Energy, LLC, and Pure Energy.
The Cost of Going Green
The best way to go green is to reduce the amount of energy you consume. If you do this, you’ll not only be reducing your energy consumption but also lowering your energy cost. If you don’t reduce your energy consumption but opt to switch to an eco-conscious energy provider, in some cases, your monthly utility bill will be somewhat higher. However, depending on the source of energy, your bill could go down. If sustainability and cost are a concern, before you switch, do your research. Some companies, such as Clearview Energy, currently offer a hydroelectric plan at a lower kilowatt per hour rate than Consolidated Edison’s basic rate.
Contributing Writer
Cait Etherington
Cait Etherington has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist and communications consultant. Her articles and reviews have been published in newspapers and magazines across the United States and internationally. An experienced financial writer, Cait is committed to exposing the human side of stories about contemporary business, banking and workplace relations. She also enjoys writing about trends, lifestyles and real estate in New York City where she lives with her family in a cozy apartment on the twentieth floor of a Manhattan high rise.
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