How Consumers Can Help Power the Energy Transition
CONSERVATION, CLEAN ENERGY OCTOBER 4, 2023
With the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, our children are growing up in a changing world. This is a growing concern for 92% of Americans who say protecting the environment for future generations is very or somewhat important.
The good news? We can channel our concern into everyday actions that can reduce greenhouse gases and help accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources. Here are some examples of what we can all do:
Generate Renewable Energy. Find out about federal and state tax credits or incentives to install rooftop solar panels on your house to generate your own electricity and even feed excess energy back to the grid. In 2023, rooftop solar installations are expected to increase by 52% from 2022. You can also add home-based energy storage solutions so you can store energy when the sun isn’t shining. If you can’t afford or don’t have the space for solar panels, in some areas you can participate in community solar projects.
Choose Renewable Energy. Consumers can select “green” energy plans from their utilities that prioritize electricity generated from renewable sources. Consumers can also choose to use more energy during off-peak times when renewable energy production is higher and prices are cheaper.
Learn About and Advocate for Cleaner Energy. Find out about the many benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy. Get involved with local groups that are educating the public about energy efficiency and the benefits of the energy transition. Advocate for policies that support the transition to cleaner energy. Educate your family, friends and community about the benefits of cleaner energy.
Use Less Energy. Being more energy efficient is something we all can do. You can get a home energy audit where you can identify areas for improvement through an assessment of your energy usage and efficiency. Smart home technologies can improve energy efficiency through automation. And you can reduce energy consumption by using ENERGY STAR energy-efficient appliances.
Drive an Electric Vehicle or Carpool. As the price of electric vehicles comes down and the charging infrastructure builds up, more people are switching to electric vehicles to reduce emissions. Charging your vehicle during off-peak hours can help the electricity grid manage the increasing demand from electric vehicles. If you’re not in the market to buy a new car, you can carpool, ride your bike, or take public transportation to reduce emissions.
We all can play a crucial role in the energy transition by becoming more educated about the benefits of cleaner energy, driving demand for renewable energy and technologies, being more energy-efficient in our daily lives, and advocating for clean energy policies.
Learn more about financial incentives, rebates, and tax credits for energy-efficient and renewable energy products, including the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade.