There are so many different sources of energy out there. When shopping for new energy plans, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. You have the power to choose from several different energy sources such as solar energy, hydro energy, and fossil fuels. So, why should you choose wind energy?
Here are five reasons why it is good for your wallet, good for the environment, and simply a great option all around!
1.) Wind Energy Is Affordable
The first reason to go with an energy plan that uses wind energy has to do with affordability. According to the Wind Energy Institute, “In 2012, wind energy production costs averaged just 2.5¢ per kilowatt-hour nationwide.” To put that into perspective, let’s look at a few other sources of energy. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, the average cost of producing electricity from coal is about 8 cents per kWh. Electricity from natural gas, which is a bit cheaper than coal, costs about 6 cents per kWh. Over the past few decades, electricity prices in the U.S have actually gone up by 14 percent on average, but wind energy prices have remained steady or even declined.
2.) Wind Energy Is Good for the Environment
Wind energy is renewable and helps protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to the American Wind Energy Association, “Increased use of wind energy over time displaces generation from other sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3.) Wind Energy Is Good for Your Local Economy
A third good reason to choose wind energy has to do with how it benefits communities and local economies. While quite a few big companies own some wind farms, many others are owned by local cooperatives. People who live near those wind farms actually have a chance to invest in those farms and make money from them. On top of that, more jobs are available for people who want to work on or at a wind farm. The Wind Energy Institute reports that the industry has created “over 88,000 well-paying jobs.”
4.) Wind Energy is Reliable
Another reason why you should choose wind energy as your main source of electricity generation has to do with reliability. According to the American Wind Energy Association, “Wind power plants generate electricity around the clock – day and night, during periods of calm and high winds. This is an advantage because other sources of electricity can’t do this. Power plants fueled by coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy produce electricity only when the plants are operating.”
5.) Wind Energy Creates Tax Revenue
Finally, wind energy has a positive effect on tax revenue for local communities. According to the American Wind Energy Association, “Wind projects are economic engines for local communities. Wind projects pay property taxes to host counties, creating lasting revenue streams that can help support schools, roads, and other services.”
Wind energy helps save the environment, creates jobs, protects your wallet, and benefits local economies. All of these are good reasons why you should consider wind energy as one option when shopping around for an energy plan.
