As oil hits $110 per barrel and climate change reaches the mainstream conversation in both our consumer culture (carbon neutral products, hybrid cars, etc.) and political conversations (green collar jobs, cap-and-auction schemes, etc.) the issue of energy efficiency has once again become prominent. There is virtual agreement, among policymakers and economists, that efficiency is the low-hanging fruit for reducing carbon emissions and essential to any comprehensive approach to halt global warming.

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This is why I have said that it is imperative before signing up with an ESCO (especially an out-of-town ESCO) to ask a few questions. One of those questions would be about any early termination fees or switching (back) fees. Besides the question of if they have "consolidated billing" so I can still read the price per therm and therms used on the same bill I have always received from my local utility.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - - They were just looking to save money on their gas bill, but many western new yorkers ended up getting burned by independent energy services companies. Many victims Called 4 Action and now all those complaints are getting action.

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I went to the Con Edison and also the Keyspan website and found out the ESCO's that they recommend. I also wanted to find out what the consolidated billing was all about.

I found out that I could sign up with a local ESCO here on Long Island and that I would still receive my bill from Keyspan. The only difference the woman told me is that that on my Keyspan bill it would state the name of the ESCO that was actually supplying my gas. In my case I went with Ameristar Energy, not only because they have the consolidated billing which makes it easier to still receive my single bill from Keyspan, but they are located right here on Long Island.

They also had no long term contract for me to sign, no switching fees, no hidden costs and last but not least. They had the lowest cost per therm for the natural gas.

I have recruited some friends, business people and colleagues to do the same and will keep you posted on how much our savings actually come to each month on an individual basis.

Best regards,
Brad