How to Choose the Best Energy Plan for Your Energy Goals

In today’s fast-paced and energy-conscious world, finding the perfect energy plan tailored to your unique energy goals has never been more important. Whether you’re striving to reduce your carbon footprint, lower your monthly utility bills, or simply ensure a reliable power supply, the choices can be overwhelming. But don’t be nervous! We’re here to break down what you should know and consider when choosing an energy plan that aligns perfectly with your individual goals and preferences. Follow the steps below to ensure you’re choosing the right plan: 

Determine your energy needs 

When choosing an energy plan, be sure to determine exactly what your energy needs are. Are you looking for an electricity plan? Maybe you’re looking for a natural gas plan, or perhaps a combination of both? There are energy providers out there that can fit your energy needs! Without a clear understanding of your energy needs, you risk overpaying for services you don’t require or, conversely, underestimating your demand and encountering unexpected costs. By accurately assessing your energy requirements, which includes identifying whether your heat source is gas or electric, you can tailor your energy plan to match your consumption, effectively optimizing costs, minimizing waste, and ensuring that your energy goals are met. 

Discover if you live in a deregulated or regulated energy market 

It’s crucial to understand if you are in a deregulated or regulated energy market as this will greatly influence your choices in energy options. This distinction plays a significant role in determining the availability of different energy plans and their pricing. In a nutshell, the primary goals of energy deregulation are to promote competition, improve energy efficiency, reduce prices, and provide consumers with more choices and control over their energy services.  

Regulated vs deregulated energy markets 

Regulated Energy Markets: In simple terms, a regulated energy market refers to an industry in which the government sets rules and regulations for how companies can produce and sell electricity or other forms of energy. This means that all energy providers must follow the same guidelines and pricing structures, making it a fair and competitive market for consumers. 

Deregulated Energy Markets: A deregulated energy market, as mentioned earlier, is when there are multiple energy providers competing for customers in a specific area. This means that consumers have the freedom to choose their energy provider and plan based on their individual needs and preferences. 

If you’re looking to learn more about energy deregulation, check out our blog about everything you need to know about energy deregulation! 

Know your average monthly energy usage 

One crucial factor to consider when looking for the best energy plan is to assess your average monthly energy usage. This refers to the amount of energy you typically consume in a month, and it can vary depending on factors such as the size of your home, the appliances you use, and your lifestyle. As a rule of thumb, the average American home uses between 70 and 90 therms per month and 889 kWh per month. Knowing your monthly energy usage can help determine what energy plan is right for not only your budget but for your energy consumption. Additionally, it allows you to compare whether using gas or electricity for heating is more cost-effective. According to the American Gas Association, natural gas is 3.3 times more affordable than electricity. 

Assess if you have any energy patterns 

In addition to knowing your average monthly energy usage, it’s also essential to understand if you have any energy patterns. Energy patterns refer to consistent habits or routines that contribute to your overall energy consumption. For example, do you typically use more energy during peak hours, such as in the morning? Or are you a night owl that loves late-night gaming sessions? Identifying your energy patterns can help you choose a plan that best suits your habits. 

Get familiar with your energy options 

Choosing an energy plan can be overwhelming when it comes to your energy options. Getting familiar with your energy options allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your values. Some of the most common energy plans include: 

Fixed Rate Energy Plans: This type of energy plan is one of the most common types of energy plans out there. Fixed Rate energy plans are ideal for people and families looking for the stability of knowing what their energy costs will be during the duration of their agreement even when markets fluctuate. Depending on your energy provider, fixed rate electricity energy plans and fixed rate gas options can be offered. 

Variable Rate Plans: A variable rate energy plan means that the price per kWh can fluctuate depending on market conditions. This means that your energy bill may vary month to month, making it more challenging to budget for your usage. This can also mean that when market prices get high, if you’re on a variable rate plan, you could be paying more. 

Unlimited Energy: Perhaps most uniquely of all, some energy providers offer an Unlimited Energy Plan! Much like an unlimited cell phone plan, you simply pay the same amount every month no matter how much you use*. Cold winter? Turn up the heat. Hot Summer? Crank the air, and you still won’t be surprised by your bill. 

Research if there is an option for eco-friendly energy 

If you love the earth and doing your part for the planet, consider looking for renewable energy solutions when elevating your energy options. Typically, a renewable energy plan generates energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar, or hydro power. These green energy plans offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based energy plans and can help reduce your carbon footprint. When it comes to saving the planet, you can make a difference with your energy choice! 

Find out if there are perks to signing up for certain energy plans or providers 

When you’re in the process of choosing an energy plan, keep an eye out for plans and providers with perks, special incentives, or just a good reputation. This can include things like rewards programs, exceptional customer service, or special giveaways. When exploring energy plans, it’s not just about finding the best rates or renewable options; it’s also an opportunity to align your energy choices with your values. Keep an eye out for energy providers that engage with causes that mean a lot to you. Maybe when you select an energy plan from a certain provider, they donate to hunger relief charities? Or maybe when you sign up for an energy plan with a renewable energy company, they donate trees to help with reforestation efforts? By making this conscious choice when choosing your energy plan, you can have peace of mind knowing your choices are making a difference.   

How to transition to a new Energy Plan  

Transitioning to a new energy plan can be a seamless process with the right guidance and information at your fingertips. If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource to help you navigate how to make the transition to a new plan and how to switch your energy provider, download your FREE eBook, “Everything you Need to Know About Choosing an Energy Plan”. This eBook offers a step-by-step guide, practical tips, and valuable insights on understanding how your energy choice can make a difference and how to change your energy provider. And for extra peace of mind, this eBook comes equipped with a checklist with the top ten energy plan and provider must-haves and considerations to ensure you’re picking the right energy plan for your needs. 

In the end, choosing an energy plan doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools you can make your energy choice easier than ever! Empowered with this knowledge, you can make a well-informed decision that not only meets your energy needs but also contributes to a more sustainable and energy future. 

Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.  

* Restrictions apply. Enrollment based upon program eligibility. Customers using more than 125% of normal monthly usage as determined by Santanna may be required to switch plans.