Because of our home state’s ample supply of oil, Texas isn’t always the first place that comes to mind when people hear the term “green energy.” However, recent research is showing that Texans may be embracing renewable solutions more than the rest of the country is giving them credit for.

A new report released by Choose Energy, a San Francisco-based company that helps people choose energy plans within deregulated electricity markets (like that of Texas) revealed some data that may surprise people. The company found that Texas residents select 100% green energy plans more than any other state, with 1 in 3 customers choosing renewable-sourced electricity plans (i.e. electricity coming from wind or solar power). That’s more than both Connecticut and New York, two states that most people would expect to have exponentially higher numbers of green customers. However, in both markets, fewer than 10 percent of customers were selecting green plans.

We generate more electricity than any other state in the U.S. In 2012 alone, Texas pumped out 14,201 trillion BTUs of electricity. To put this number into perspective: Montana, the nation’s #2 producer of electricity, only generated 9,611 trillion BTUs in the same year.

But not only do we produce the most electricity, we also produce more green energy than any other state! We have over 100 wind power plants across the state. In fact, we lead the nation in wind-generated electricity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that in 2013, our state generated around 36 million megawatt hours of electricity from wind energy. If that weren’t enough, our solar industry continues to grow as well.

Renewable energy is both plentiful and affordable in the Lone Star State, so it makes sense that more and more customers are jumping on the green bandwagon every year. But Choose Energy also suggests that even in situations where green energy might be more costly than “brown” energy, Texans still opt for the more environmentally-conscious plan in support of energy independence.

Even with our reputation as an oil-friendly state, Texas is leading the way in green electricity. As a company committed to reducing our own energy consumption and creating a healthier, safer world, we’re excited to see so many people adopting renewable, sustainable solutions for their energy needs. When consumers purchase 100% green plans, it increases the demand for efficient energy, which propels the green sector even further into success.

Thanksgiving has been celebrated as an official holiday in the United States for over 150 years, so you may think you understand all there is to know about this family feast. Most of us have heard the story of the pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving in 1621 after arriving in North America on the Mayflower. But did you know that only about half of the people on this ship were actually pilgrims? This fact is one of ten things that may actually surprise you about the Thanksgiving tradition!

Within the great state of Minnesota, professionals are required to have electrical licensed in order to install electrical wiring. Professionals are given these licenses after they have demonstrated that they understand the National Electrical Code (NEC). The Minnesota standard protects both you and the electrical professional. With knowledge of wiring, you get an electrical system that works and does not threaten your family’s safety. On the other hand, the electrician can safely install electrical wiring without jeopardizing his or her life.

Another important aspect you should consider is whether your licensed electrician has a positive attitude. Although having a positive attitude may seem irrelevant, it is not. A positive attitude will help your licensed electrician come to you whenever there is a problem. It will also make him or her feel comfortable addressing questions or concerns you have about your electrical system. When you hire a licensed electrician with a good positive attitude, you can rest assured knowing that his or her wiring is sound.

One of the complaints many homeowners make about searching for an electrician is the process of comparing quotes. In many cases, professional electricians offer quotes that are exactly clear, which may prevent homeowners from making a great comparison. To avoid this problem, homeowners must get quotes that detail the specifics of the work. Without doing so, you could get a quote that is higher, yet offers more, that you reject. Once you have all the quotes you need, make sure the electrician you choose is competitively priced.

Circuit breaker tripping might be something of an annoyance, especially when it happens at inconvenient times. Still, it is much better to have a circuit breaker that trips as opposed to one that doesn’t cut the power when it should.

Circuits can safely handle a certain amount of electricity, but we often don’t realize just how much of a load we’re putting on them. All too often we find ourselves plugging in one appliance too many, only to end up in the dark as the circuit trips! No one enjoys being in the dark, but your circuit breaker is doing the very important job of helping ensure the safety of everyone in your home. It’s important to understand what a breaker does and why it’s so crucial. It’s also vital to have an understanding of what it means when they keep tripping.

If your wires have more current flowing through them than they can safely handle, they could potentially overheat. This can lead to a few different outcomes. The wires could malfunction and lose their ability to work. This means repairs would be necessary before you’re able to utilize that particular circuit again.

Another possible result of excessive electricity is the melting of the protective insulation around the wiring, which leads to exposed metal wires. This exposure can cause fires, as well as an increased risk of electrocution. The circuit breaker should recognize when there is too much current present in the wiring. When the breaker detects excess electricity, it trips, cutting off power before the extra current can lead to any safety issues.