Plugged In with WattBuy

It's no surprise that America's energy consumption has continued to increase steadily, but in 2019, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted that global electricity generation will nearly double by 2050. This demand for energy generation is due to rising income, urbanization, and increased access to electricity. The energy grid will have to be rearranged to withstand these new ene

Want to learn more about climate change, sustainable living and our environment? We've curated the perfect list of documentaries and movies just for you! Here are some of the best sustainability documentaries and movies to binge watch this summer when it's just too hot to enjoy nature outside: A Plastic Ocean This adventure documentary shows the disturbing amount of plastic pollution found in our oceans. Released in 2016, A Plastic Ocean is still relevant today, maybe even a bit

Wondering how your state ranks in energy efficiency efforts compared to other states? The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) analyzed the efforts of all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. in 2020. The report shows which states already made drastic improvements and which still have a long way to go. Here's how each state made out: Alabama Alabama came in 44th place, le

Solar energy is more than just a hot trend - it’s a way for homeowners to save money on their electricity bill as well as reduce their carbon footprint. What’s better than saving money while simultaneously saving the planet? Another huge benefit to solar is the 26% tax incentive homeowners receive for installing solar panels in 2022. But if all that’s still not enough to sway you toward

Choosing an electricity provider can be overwhelming and difficult. Wouldn't it be helpful if they were ranked on customer satisfaction? The Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Illinois has done just that with its retail electric provider complaint scorecard. This scorecard shows which electricity providers in the state of Illinois have the best ratings according to their customers. This is valuable in

Choosing an electricity provider can be overwhelming and difficult. Wouldn't it be helpful if they were ranked on customer satisfaction? The Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas has done just that with its retail electric provider complaint scorecard. This scorecard shows which electricity providers in the state of Texas have the best ratings according to their customers. This is valuable in

It's no secret that the U.S. is working hard to catch up and reach its renewable energy goals. But what does that mean for homeowners who also see the value in cleaner energy sources? The federal government is offering tax incentives to homeowners who have solar systems installed in their homes. Specifically, a 26% tax credit for systems installed in 2022 and a 22% credit for systems installed in 2023. So far, the tax credit is set to expire in 2024 unless congress decides to extend it.

Currently, we're in the middle of one of the biggest calls for switching to renewables since the 1970s energy crisis. But what is renewable energy and how can we expand the way it helps us? While solar and wind are the most well-known renewable energy sources, there are actually five major renewable energies. Biomass, hydropower, and geothermal energy are also important sources. Until the mid-1800s, wood - a biomass energy source - was the

The U.S. Energy Information Administration released a report earlier this year explaining its Short-Term Energy Outlook forecast. In short, the EIA is predicting the U.S. to increasingly shift its electricity generation away from fossil fuels thanks to the significant increase in renewable energy plants. But the detailed explanat