Do you know how the energy you use in your home is produced? Do you know how the energy you use impacts the environment? Do you know that you have a choice? If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ then you’re ahead of at least 75% of households world wide. In a continuing effort to research the consumer power industry and its trends in the next 10 years, IBM questioned over 1,800 households in six countries about their energy usage during July of 2007. Of those surveyed, a shocking 83% said that they wanted the ability to choose their own energy provider but only 75% of those with renewable energy available to them currently purchase it.

Which brings us back to the original question, do you know where your energy comes from? Chances are great that you know which company you purchase your energy from, but most of us never call that company to ask where our specific energy is produced. Depending on who your gas and electricity providers are, and what country you live in, all it may take to put you on an all-renewable energy plan is a quick call to your local service provider.

In the coming years the IBM survey clearly shows that the trend will be towards more consumer involvement in our energy choices and it stands to reason that the industries who produce our energy, if consumers demand it, will create even more green options. But it is on the backs, or rather the wallets, of consumers to demand such choices be available. Call your energy company and ask to have only green energy sent to your house. Some companies will charge more for these options, but the IBM survey reveals that over one half of all consumers would be willing to spend up to 20% more to have renewable energy available to them, so long as it can be definitively proven to be from green sources. If your service provider doesn’t have any green options, find out if you can change service providers or get together with your community and neighborhood to create a large demand that the company bring you sustainable energy sources.