Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and patronize companies that are "green." Utility companies can lead the way in the global effort to go greener and do it faster. Utility companies can use these four strategies to reduce resource usage and to make better use of renewable forms of energy.

Investing in Renewable Energy

One way that utility companies can go green is to make investments in renewable energy. Wind turbines are growing in popularity. Farms of the turbines are popping up all over the country, from the farmlands of Michigan to the Great Plains. Other great sources of renewable energy include solar panels and hydroelectric power. Utility companies could also consider offering incentives to home and business owners generating electricity through renewable energy.

Using Pole-mounted Electrical Transformers

Pole-mounted electrical transformers allow utility companies to reduce wasted electricity. Most transformers, like those available from Solomon Corporation, are expertly designed, and fully warrantied. Some transformers can even be outfitted with natural lubricants rather than synthetic oils to keep their parts working well for a long duration of time.

Installing Smart Utility Meters

Installing smart utility meters reduces the amount of resources and manpower that it takes to account for consumer energy usage. The smart meters can give the meter readers the amount of energy used by transmitting a radio signal. This allows the meter readers to use less fuel in order to travel through an area and collect information from the electrical and gas meters. Smart meters can also be Wi-Fi enabled, allowing consumers to monitor their energy usage.

Offering Electronic Statements and Bill Payments to Customers

Mailing out paper statements and having customers mail them back to pay their bills takes a lot of paper and time. Instead of focusing on paper billing, utility companies can encourage paperless billing and electronic statements. Allow customers to pay their bills online without a convenience fee. Electronic funds transfers are usually quicker than mailing a check, so the utility payment will be deposited within a faster time frame.

Each time a utility company does these actions, it can let consumers know what they are doing. These green activities will help to keep consumers happy and satisfied about where their money is going. When consumers have a choice, they are likely to do business with a utility company that is environmentally responsible. Protecting the Earth's resources today by going green helps to ensure the planet's health for the next generation.