IDT Energy Offers Incentives to New Customers

Electricity consumers living in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Illinois are eligible to participate in an innovative money saving plan when they sign up as a new customer with IDT Energy. There are two parts to the offer for new customers:

• A maximum of $50 on one month of electric service to be paid in the form of a rebate after the third billing cycle. In addition a second month of free electricity will be given, also with a maximum of $50, which will be rebated during the ninth month after sign-up.

• For no additional cost IDT Energy is offering an appliance protection plan for 6 months. Customers can choose to insure either their washing machine, dryer, oven or refrigerator. The plan does not require the customer to pay a deductible payment, nor are there any exclusions if the appliance has any pre-existing conditions. The plan covers both parts and labor, providing the customer with no unexpected or sudden bills for repairing their appliance.

Customers who already receive their electricity from IDT Energy are also eligible for a different money-saving plan. These customers can enjoy a 10% rate discount for any monthly Home Services plan which IDT offers through their Complete Protection service.

Residents of New York State are not yet eligible for either offer yet, but this program should be available to New York residents soon.

4 Easy Tips for Energy Saving This Summer

When people start talking about energy conservation and the environment, most listeners begin to sweat. They can’t imagine putting in the effort to compost their left-overs and they can’t envision living without air conditioning in the summer or cutting back on using any of their major appliances. However, conservation and saving on energy doesn’t have to cramp your lifestyle.  There are quite a few basic things the average  person can do that will have an impact on your energy expenses. It makes no difference whether you already see savings from a Retail Energy Provider like IDT Energy or not. You have the power to stay comfortable in your home and save.

Here are 4 surefire ways to conserve energy without compromising your comfort.

1.  Air-dry your towels: Many people spend a lot of time at the beach and pool in the summer. They tend to use a beach towel for two seconds and then to throw it into the hamper. Consider whether your towels really need to be washed before you dump them into the laundry. Maybe they can be used for the beach again tomorrow and maybe you can just air dry them for now. Beach towels are usually thicker than regular bath towels and they require more energy to dry. Why not skip one or two washings a week and save on that energy bill.

2. Cut the Shower Time: Many people don’t notice how much time they spend taking a shower. Studies have actually shown that the typical teenager can spend as much as 45 minutes in the shower. This is a huge water waste, not to mention a waste of the electricity or natural gas required to run your hot water heater, which costs you money. Suds up, rinse and get out.

3. Turn off your computer: "Sleep" is not the same thing as "off" to the computer. Studies have found that 75% of the energy that the home computer uses happens when the owner thinks it’s off. Make sure you actually turn it off.

4. Get your Water Heater Checked: This is a really simple idea. Have your plumber check your water heater to see if it is set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit versus 120. Most homes only need it set to 120 degrees to function properly. Having it at 140 or hotter is just a waste of heating and money. The U.S. Department of Energy actually estimates by lowering your water heater temperature by just 10 degrees, you could save 3-5% in energy costs.

Four Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

While many New Yorkers expect their bills to rise with the temperature, the summer heat can actually be harnessed to minimize spending. Local companies like IDT Energy offer services and tips to help families keep their energy costs at a minimum.

Here are four ways to conserve energy without compromising comfort during the summer months:

·         Be responsible with your air conditioning. For example, turn it off at night and leave the windows open. In the morning, close the shades to preserve the cool air and keep the sun out.

·         Cook outside, when possible. Stoves and ovens generate large amounts of excess heat, forcing your air conditioner to work overtime. Try using the microwave or toaster oven, or cooking on an outdoor barbecue grill.

·         Air-dry your laundry. The sun and hot summer air are free replacements for your dryer, so hang your clothes up to dry if possible. If not, dry your clothes only partially in the dryer, then let them air dry.

·         Maintain your air conditioner filters. Though simple, this is often neglected, resulting in additional running time and extra strain on the system. By regularly replacing the filters, you ensure total efficiency and minimize cooling costs.