Tag: energy

Rate hikes strike again!

I wrote in a previous blog post that electricity rates were going to increase. They have definitely increased and according to a recent news story, they will increase again

What happens now?

Your bill will be higher for the same usage. if you normally use 250 KWh per month and your bill is say 75.00 expect your bill to be 130.00-160.00 for the same 250KWh. These are not real numbers it’s just an example. The point is you are going to see a noticeable increase in your electric bill.

How can you fight back?

Solar powered generators are a good option to fight the rising cost of utility bills. I’ve mentioned this before in previous posts about saving on your electric bill, but you can plug all of your electronic devices in to solar powered generators and power banks. These do not have the ongoing cost of fuel as they can be charged for free in the sun and alternatively they can be charged in your car. They can also be wall charged but that just adds to your electric bill, instead try using one generator to charge another.

Can I eliminate my electric bill entirely?

In theory the answer is yes. If your electricity gets disconnected you can still produce and use your own electricity for free with solar powered generators and power banks. The electric company can not charge you for off grid power consumption. They can not charge you for anything during the time your power is disconnected. In theory, yes you can eliminate your electric bill entirely with some simple changes.

How can I eliminate my electric bill entirely?

If you have already purchased solar powered generators/portable power banks, you can turn off all the breakers in your house which effectively stops electricity from being delivered to your home room by room. Plug lamps, TVs, Internet modems and if you have them cable boxes into your generators. If your generator is powerful enough you can plug your refrigerator into a generator.

You will need powerful solar powered generators to run your Refrigerator, washer and dryer and your stove. A less powerful generator can run your microwave. You can avoid using your stove by purchasing an electric cook top and plugging it into a solar powered generator.

How long do these generators last?

Most generators will last a few hours before needing recharged. The higher the draw on the generator is the more frequently it will need to be charged.

If the draw on the generator is too high they will shut off. This prevents power surges that can damage your generators and shorten their life span.

The life of a generator depends on the quality of the generator, and frequency of use. I only recommend the ones that last for several years even with every day use.

How often do you want to pay?

Would you rather pay the increasing monthly electric bills or would you rather purchase new generators every 10-15 years and some smaller ones every 5 years?

A 250.00 solar powered generator will pay for itself in just a few months. A 1,000.00 generator will pay for itself in 1-2 years and last up to 15 years even with daily use and depending on the wattage could last 6-8 hours depending on the draw on the generator.

Personal experience

I have 2 smaller generators currently and a rechargeable LED lantern. I have had the generators for nearly 2 years and they are still going strong. I bought my rechargeable LED lantern in December of 2024 and as of today 7/23/2025 it’s still going strong and still super bright.

A few notes on the Rechargeable LED Lantern

I noticed it does drain fairly quickly. As the battery discharges it gets dimmer and dimmer until recharged. It can be charged while being used but if it is less than 75% charged it will continue to discharge at a slightly reduced rate. If it is 75% charged it will continue to charge and may still discharge some but at a bit of a slower rate. I tested this just last night so I am speaking from experience on that one. Keep in mind that not all LED lanterns can be used while charging.

Rechargeable flashlights are a great option too, they can provide plenty of light in one room and being rechargeable means no need to buy expensive batteries, no need to flip that switch on the wall which won’t work if the breakers are turned off! You won’t need to use the light function on your generators which will drain it faster if it’s already powering appliances or devices.

The conclusion

If you have enough generators with enough power you can completely eliminate your electric bill by turning off all breakers and plugging all of your appliances and devices into your generators. There’s no real reason to continue throwing away more and more money month after month when you can cut your bill out entirely and keep that cash in your pocket where it belongs. That means more money for other things.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

July 23, 2025
Alternative Light sources
Bright Ideas Beyond the Grid

Every time you flip that light switch, The electric company makes money. In a previous post, I talked about The Rising Cost of Electricity: How to Lower Your Bill and Take Back Control – and that trend doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.

You CAN take control of your lighting costs. Whether you want to power your lamps using a generator or explore off-grid solutions, there are plenty of alternative light sources that don’t depend on traditional electricity.

Why Consider Alternative Light sources?

Plugging your regular household lamps into a generator works great – until you need that outlet for something else. That’s when having a backup or off-grid light source becomes essential.

Popular off-grid lighting options

There are a variety of lighting options that don’t rely on wall power:
- Solar powered lamps and lanterns
- Battery-powered lamps and lanterns
- puck lights
- Light bars
- solar and rechargeable flash lights
- Rechargeable lanterns
Each has it’s strengths, depending on your needs.

Understanding Lumens:

How bright is bright enough?

One key factor to consider is lumens, which measure light output (or brightness). The brighter the light you need, the higher the lumens you’ll want. Whether you’re lighting a whole room or just trying to avoid stepping on toys or your home becoming an obstacle course in the dark, lumens matter.

Light source pros and cons:

Household lamps + generators

great when you have a generator with enough outlets to spare – but not ideal when generator supplied outlets are in short supply.

Puck lights

These small, battery-operated lights can stick to the wall without damage. While usually dim, they’re perfect for lighting small areas -like hallways or kids’ rooms -to prevent stubbing toes or stepping on Legos.

Battery-powered Lanterns

Bright and effective, depending on the model and it’s lumen output. However, they require C or D batteries, which add to long term costs.

Solar-powered Lanterns

Eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run, these don’t require batteries. A great option for anyone wanting to avoid frequent battery purchases.

Rechargeable Lanterns

These are versatile and usually powered via USB. They can be charged using a power bank, small generator, or even in your car-just like a phone. This set up avoids relying on the electric grid and saves you money over time.

Flashlights That Do More

Solar-powered flashlights with varying lumen levels are perfect for:
- Finding lost items under the couch
- Staying visible when walking your dog at night
- Lighting your path when crossing a dark room
Many of these flashlights can also double as lanterns, making them especially handy in emergencies or power outages.

Final thoughts

Investing in alternative light sources gives you flexibility, saves money, and adds peace of mind. Whether you’re prepping for emergencies, going off-grid, or just trying to lower your electric bill, there’s a light solution that fits your needs.

Dare to ditch the switch

Tired of paying the electric company every time you flip a switch? Dare to try something new. Test out a solar lantern. Swap a puck light into your hallway. Power a flashlight with the sun. Take one small step toward energy independence- and prove that you don’t have to rely on grid power to keep your life lit.

Try it this week. Light one room, one walk, or one evening without using traditional power. Then tell me how it went. Let’s challenge ourselves -and each other -to make smarter, more sustainable lighting choices.

I slashed my electric bill by 75.00 a month just by using solar powered lanterns for lighting, turning off breakers to unused rooms, unplugging vampire appliances and powering TVs and other small electronics with solar powered generators for just a few hours per day.

The future is bright. Make sure it’s yours.

this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
May 11, 2025
Are Generac Generators Really Worth It?

A cost-conscious perspective

As someone without personal experience using Generac generators, I wanted to understand whether they are truly a cost- effective alternative to grid power. After doing some research and checking out available models, I found some key considerations worth sharing.

What Are Generac Generators?

Generac offers several models, the majority of which are designed solely for standby power in the event of a power outage. To use them with an off-grid system, a transfer switch is required to disconnect from grid power and shift to solar or generator-supplied power.

These generators come pre-configured to run on natural gas, but during installation, they can also be re-configured to run on liquid propane. Units can be purchased on websites like Amazon and Generac.com, among others.

Cost and practicality

From my perspective, Generac generators are not particularly cost-effective. The generators themselves and the required transfer switches are quite expensive. Add to that the cost of fuel, and the over all expense quickly outweighs the value. Over time, they cost more to run than they are actually worth.

There are other, far more cost-effective solutions available. Personally, I would rather spend $2,800 and run my home with no additional cost than spend upwards of $7,000 on a generator, plus the ongoing fuel and maintenance costs.

Final thoughts

I reached this conclusion based on information from from various sources, including google searches intended to help determine cost-effective solutions for off-grid living. Generac generators are not intended to serve as a primary power source, and running them full time can can become quite costly.

In my opinion, Generac generators do not deliver meaningful savings over time. They offer no real long-term benefit and are best viewed as a convenience for those who can afford the added expense but if you still feel this is the best option for you click here to see available options.

There’s more

Looking for a smarter, more affordable energy solution?

Follow my blog for practical reviews, energy saving tips, and alternatives to high-cost systems.

Already using a generator? Share your experience in the comments below!

this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

May 9, 2025
The Rising Cost of Electricity: How to Lower Your Bill and Take Back Control
It’s no secret that the cost of electricity has steadily increased over the years. In 1965, the average cost per kilowatt-hour was just 2.5 cents, and the typical monthly electric bill hovered around $25-$30.

Today, we’re paying 7-18 cents per kilowatt-hour, with monthly bills commonly reaching $120 to $160 or more. That’s over three times the cost from just a few decades ago.

Meanwhile, electric companies continue to report record profits. Is that fair to consumers who have no say in the rates we’re forced to pay?

The Hidden Cost of Vampire Appliances

“Vampire appliances” are devices that quietly suck energy even when turned off. These include:
- Microwaves with digital clocks
- Coffee makers with always-on displays
- TVs that stay in standby mode
- Game consoles and smart home devices
the below solar powered generator can power these devices.

These hidden drains on your power can add up quickly. A good first step is unplugging them when not in use or using smart plugs and power strips to control their power flow.

Flip the Breakers, Slash the Bill

Here’s a bold, often overlooked strategy: turn off circuit breakers to unused rooms or areas when you’re not home. This can help eliminate standby power usage entirely.

The less power you let flow unnecessarily, the more money stays in your wallet.

Solar Generators: A smarter investment

If you’re tired of monthly bills climbing higher, solar-powered generators and power banks offer a powerful alternative.
- Average yearly electric bill: $140/month x 12=1,680
- mid-range solar generator set up: $1,200-$1,600
- payback period 12-18 months.
- Higher-end systems pay for themselves in 3-4 years
Plus, they add energy security during blackouts and outages-something utility companies can’t guarantee.

Take Back Your Power

The choice is clear: Keep paying increasing rates, or make a one time investment in energy independence.

Why pay $120+ every month when you can pay $15-$20/month or less using smart strategies and solar solutions?

Make the Switch Today

don’t let the utility companies bleed you dry. It’s time to fight back.

Start by identifying vampire appliances, flipping your breakers, and investing in a solar generator or power bank that fits your budget.

Take control of your energy. Take control of your money.

Follow my blog for:
- energy saving tips to lower your electric bill
- Reviews of affordable solar power solutions
- Recommended solar solutions as I try them myself
- Alternative lighting solutions
this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
May 8, 2025
The secret utility companies don’t want you to know

Utility disconnection

Anyone who’s ever had a utility disconnection has no doubt received the the ” Attention Occupants!” paper telling them their service has been disconnected. That paper will typically give a phone number to call and an amount required to restore service.

The scare tactic

If you look at the bottom of that paper it say something along the lines of “do not use candles or generators to light or heat your home.” It will go on to say candles can cause a fire and generators can create dangerous fumes.

The secret

What they don’t tell you is gas powered generators are dangerous only if used indoors. They don’t tell you that solar powered generators and portable power banks (also solar powered) are perfectly safe and can provide most if not all of your electricity needs.

Utility companies will not tell you about the solar powered options because they can not make money from you. They want you to continue to pay high utility bills, restoration fees, and deposits. They don’t want this information to get out because they know they have a lot of angry customers who will utilize the solar powered options instead of using grid power.

The effect

If enough of their customers switch to the solar powered options the utility companies will either go bankrupt or be forced to lower the cost of electricity to the remaining customers and they know it.

supply, demand, and the middleman

The electric company is just a middle man between the supply (electricity) and the demand (you). They are a business like any other but the difference is they think very few of us have another option. That might be true if you’re thinking solar panels on your roof, not everyone can afford that, but there are other options for those of us who can’t afford the full solar panels on the roof option or living arrangements (apartments, condos, townhomes where the HOA runs the show) prevent it.

Look for my next post to learn about the more affordable options and how to decide which ones are right for you.

leave a comment below and tell me your utility disconnection or high energy bill horror story.

May 5, 2025
Shady practices used by the electric company

The electric companies have quite the history of shady practices. I don’t even know how far down this rabbit hole goes.

Identify the shady behavior

The first thing that comes to mind is outdated and malfunctioning meters. These issues cause higher meter readings and that will cost you, the consumer more money every month. That alone isn’t what makes it shady. What makes it shady is when they are aware of the malfunction and refuse to fix or replace the meter.

over charging consumers

They know they are charging you too much but they won’t correct it because it doesn’t benefit them. When you begin to fight back, that’s when these greedy companies want to “investigate.” When your bill is much lower than it was in previous months they may send someone out to check the meter for signs of tampering (which by the way is illegal so DO NOT tamper with the meter.) The utility companies will only investigate when it negatively impacts their bottom line.

Error or outright lie?

The second thing that comes to mind is when the electric company claims they haven’t received a payment in months. They shut off a customer’s service, refusing to reconnect the customer’s service even after submitting proof of multiple payments. They demand a large payment and charge the customer a reconnection fee. The electric company will never admit they made a mistake and return the amount that that was over paid. I have personal experience with this behavior.

Corporate greed and personal experience

They shut off my service on my birthday which ruined my plans. I called to find out why and they claimed to have not received a payment in months. I submitted proof of multiple payments that were made. They still refused to restore my service with out a payment. I had to schedule an appointment with a local community resource office to get service restored. I then cancelled that appointment.

Equipment maintenance

The third thing that comes to mind is failure to maintain equipment. When utility companies fail to maintain their equipment it can cause power surges. Power surges run up your electric bill and can damage your electronics and your electrical outlets. Improperly maintained equipment can also lead to frequent power outages and more power surges when service is restored.

Are the electric companies doing this on purpose?

Yes and no. While they may not directly intend to cause power surges, their refusal to fix and update equipment is deliberate. They know it causes power surges, they know it costs you, the consumer more money. They don’t want to hurt their record profits so they instead choose to ignore their responsibilities.

Inflation is not the only cause of higher bills

These are just a few of the shady things the electric company is pulling. All too often the consumer sees the effects of these shady practices and they blame inflation and rising costs of pretty much everything. They conclude that it makes sense that their utility bills would be much higher too until their service is shut off when it shouldn’t be and then the consumer starts doing some digging. That digging is probably what brought you here, or you were looking for cost effective ways to combat your high energy bills. No matter what the reason you landed here this blog can help you cut your energy costs down.

Solution

Get solar powered generators and power banks to provide electricity until service is restored. You could potentially provide your own electricity full time and leave service off. If you do owe your utility company money make an appointment with your local resource office and keep that appointment.

Leave a comment below, share your experience with these greedy companies and read my next post to learn the secret utility companies don’t want you to know.

May 5, 2025
Maximize Efficiency with Solar Powered Generators

Learn how to maximize efficiency

In this blog I will teach you about solar powered generators and portable solar powered banks, back up generators such as Generac, how you can effectively use them to reduce your energy costs and explain how it works.

How will I know which one to choose?

I will teach you how to decide which solar powered generators and power banks are right for you, and how many you will need. I will teach you about alternate light sources both solar powered and non solar powered. I will teach you how to recharge them with out spending an extra dime on grid power to do it.

Making the switch

I warn you, this is going to be a lot of work to transition. It will be an adjustment to begin using portable power banks and generators as your main power source but it is so worth it.

What are solar powered generators and power banks

Solar powered generators and power banks can generate electricity by harnessing the power of the sun. They turn sunlight into energy to power your home and devices.

To clarify a solar powered power banks are a smaller and more portable version of a solar powered generator. How easy is one brand that I’m familiar with and frequently use.

I am able to use my How Easy solar powered generator to plug in a lamp and light my living room off grid power and it doesn’t cost me anything to do it.

what’s next?

Continue to my next post learn about the electric company’s shady practices.

May 5, 2025