IDT Energy Joins Retail Energy Supply Association

IDT Energy was recently named a member of the Retail Energy Supply Association.

CEO Geoff Rochwarger said: “IDT Energy is pleased to join RESA and its efforts to bring the benefits of competition to consumers who are still held captive by their local utility monopoly. In America, consumers should have the freedom to choose their energy supplier. Competitive markets bring more choice, lower rates, and innovation that puts the customer first.”

RESA President Melissa Lauderdale added: “RESA member companies are dedicated to providing value to natural gas and electric customers in competitive markets across the United States. We are pleased to welcome IDT Energy to our group of innovative and forward-thinking energy suppliers.”

Energy-Efficient Heating Tips

Uswitch.com offers energy savings advice for any home, in any season. Here are some tips to keep your heating costs at a minimum:

  1. Stay warm, cut costs. Turning your thermostat down by 1°C can save you a significant amount each year. Also, keeping your heating on constantly on a low heat could potentially save you more money than switching it on and off for big blasts of heat.

  2. Get cosy. Wearing more jumpers, socks and slippers around the house, and putting an extra blanket on the bed means you won’t be tempted to turn the heating up.

  3. Turn the pressure down on the power shower, you’d be surprised how much water they use – sometimes even more than a bath.

How to Manage Energy Bills

IDT Energy does its best to provide its customers with information to help them make responsible energy-related decisions, while enabling them to conserve energy and lower monthly bills.

On the company’s website, one of the most frequently asked questions is “How can I better manage my energy bills?”

IDT responds:

“Consider enrolling in our Budget Billing Plan. Check with your local utility, which will estimate your yearly energy costs and spread your payments evenly throughout the year. That way, you have more control and are protected from seasonal cost peaks. With Budget Billing, your monthly bill will still show your actual usage and the costs for your service for the billing period. The utility regularly compares your bills and payments, and if your Budget Billing amount is too high or too low, it will let you know and change the amount on your next bill. For more information or to enroll, contact your local utility.”

Summer Energy Tips

As the season turns, homes and businesses are preparing for the onslaught of energy bills as air conditioning and fans become a necessity.

The US Department of Energy offers some energy saving tips for spring and summer. It explains that windows can be used to keep cool air inside while protecting a room from exterior heat. The website says:

  • If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.

  • Learn more about natural ventilation.

  • Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows. Find out about window treatments and coverings that can improve energy efficiency.

Energy Saving Tips for Small Appliances

  1. Instead of using the oven, cook with small appliances when possible. Toaster ovens, slow cookers and electric skillets all use less electricity.
  2. By shortening cooking time, you reduce energy use. A microwave is a great example.
  3. Maintain air filters by cleaning or replacing them regularly.  Clogged filters are less effective, and result in longer usage of the unit. Air filters are found in appliances like vacuum cleaners, humidifiers and exhaust hoods.
  4. Run cold water for disposal. Energy is used to heat warm water. Col water also solidifies grease, allowing it to pass through the garbage disposal and pipes with greater ease.

Turn Off the Computer!

An easy way to save money on one’s IDT Energy or other utility service provider bill is by simply turning off the computer.  In fact, neglecting to do so is a true waste of energy.  One way to make this easier is with the EcoButton which is plugged into a USB drive.  Whenever you leave your computer, press the button, which puts the computer into energy-saving mode.  When you return, press it again and the computer resumes in the same place it was left.  You are unlikely to forget, as the button is very bright and right next to the computer. It’s very good for people who are multitasking and often come and go with their computer.

The other cool thing about the EcoButton is that it estimates the average annual electricity savings when used efficiently, will be approximately $60, giving one a 500% return on their investment in the first year alone.  Indeed, it is able to calculate the amount of energy saved every time it is used so that one can actually see how much money they are saving with every button press, giving them immediate gratification.

Energy-Saving Tips for the Home

There are many ways for to save money on your IDT Energy (or other utility service provider) bills. This can be done by looking around the house and following some simple tips. In the kitchen, for example, there are many ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’. If you have a dishwasher, don’t pre-wash your dishes. Too many people end up basically doing their dishes twice which is both an energy- and time-killer. Today, with dishwashers such as TrueSteam technology from LG, it is absolutely unnecessary to pre-wash dishes since they use high-pressure steam particles to remove food residue. Since this also has an easy rack system which enables the interior to be custom-tailored to your requirements, it might be worth making the investment.

Next, assess your laundry situation. The US Department of Energy has found that Americans do an average of 7 ½ loads of laundry each week. Consider how some of these can be eliminated; sometimes people just put clothing into the laundry hamper because they don’t want to fold it up and put it away again. Is an item of clothing really dirty and in need of a wash after it has been worn for an hour or so during a non-active period? Think about it and you could make significant savings on the time and energy you spend on your laundry each week.

Geoff Rochwarger Helps Community in Need

Geoff Rochwarger, CEO of IDT Energy and a resident of Teaneck, NJ, has been giving back to his community. When he saw that the Helping Hands Food Pantry was in desperate need of a new vehicle for its tremendously vital work, he stepped in. Indeed, it was Geoffrey Rochwarger who gave a kick-start to the entire fundraising campaign, when the organization failed to win the new car contest it entered.

In response to his donation, Rochwarger of IDT Energy said he was “excited” to have the “opportunity to support [such] an organization.” He added that he has for a long time made it a priority to help this organization, since “the importance of supporting the local community and giving back is something that has been engrained in me by my mentor, Howard Jonas, from the very beginning.”
The charitable organization was most grateful for Geoff Rochwarger’s assistance, with the Volunteer Director, Janice Preschel pointing out, “we worked so hard and had so many supporters helping us in our effort to win, but we fell short.”

More information on IDT Energy

Preparing for Winter Energy Use

As any New York energy provider can confirm, seasonal changes dramatically impact energy use in homes and office buildings. IDT Energy and other local companies can provide personalized advice for people seeking to lower their monthly bill.

In the meantime, here are a few tips from PGE.com to prepare for the upcoming winter season:

  • When using your furnace, set your heating thermostat at 68 degrees or lower during the day, health permitting. Set your thermostat at 55 degrees for the night, or when you will be away for more than four hours.
  • In winter, open drapes on sunny days to help warm the rooms.
  • Do only full loads when using the clothes washer and dryer.
  • Clean the dryer lint trap after each use, and check the dryer vent for clogging. When possible, dry your clothes on a line.
  • Close the damper when not using the fireplace and turn your heater(s) down when using your fireplace.