Modern business and life revolve around the work of government utilities. In 2007, the U.S. generated an astounding 4.1 million gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy. Of the companies that produce this power, 42.3% are investor-owned. Also, although coal provides nearly half of all our energy, some companies exist which provide power only from environmentally friendly sources.
Electric services come in a few categories: public utility services, which are large, government-owned companies that service a large electrical field; local electric companies, which cover specific electrical municipalities; and private utility companies, which have private investors and cover both the regional and local electric field. Use this guide to help you find:
1. Public, private, or local utility companies that service your area
2. Green public utility services that provide power without the pollution
3. Servicing company that aids your public utility service
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find a state or local electric service provider to power your company
The difference between public and privately owned local electric companies is that the government provides a service, whereas private companies are businesses for profit. With that in mind, seek out a public utility service if your business needs a subsidized or specially adjusted rate of pricing.
I recommend: Find local utilities or investor-owned electric companies through
The Utility Connection and
Muninet Guide, respectively. The
Energy Information Administration will connect you to public utility services specific to state. The
American Public Power Association is the industry trade group for electrical power municipal and public utilities.
Conserve energy by working with a green public utility service
As fossil fuel depletion and environmental concerns continue to rise, many local electric companies now market themselves as environmentally friendly. Green companies use power sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal which can tap the Earth's renewable resources at no ecological cost.
I recommend: Green Mountain Energy offers clean energy solutions to commercial groups. The
U.S. Department of Energy keeps track of utilities offering green pricing options in all 50 states.
Have a designer or inspector work with your public utility service company
If you run a government utility or a local electric service, public utility service companies can work with you on the job. They can do everything from designing your local electric field efficiently and cleanly to acquiring the correct government permits for construction.
I recommend: KCI Technologies can build, inspect, and otherwise service your electrical power municipal and public utilities.
Solar Design offers green solutions to powering electrical municipalities.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Save on your business' electric bills by keeping track of the small things. Unplug electronic devices when they are not in use, as most draw current even when they are switched off. An estimated 75% of the power used on an average electric bill comes from the time that devices should be off.
The official source of Electrical Power Municipal and Public Utilities is
the Electrical Power Municipal and Public Utilities page at Business.com
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