Going green

Did you know that approximately 75 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions comes from burning fossil fuels for electricity and heating? This is why switching to green energy really matters if you want to reduce your household’s carbon footprint and have an impact on combatting climate change. With our guide to the best green energy suppliers in the UK, you can compare the most environmentally friendly and select an energy efficient tariff that best suits you.

It’s worth pointing out, however, that nothing changes to your actual energy supply when you do switch to a greener tariff. It simply means that your supplier will make sure they purchase enough power from renewable sources to match your use.

Breaking the bad

And herein lies the rub, because unfortunately some suppliers are not being entirely honest about the amount of renewable energy they are putting back into the system. Currently, when a supplier purchases renewable energy, they will receive a certificate called a Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO). However, these certificates can be sold separately from the renewable energy, with some suppliers believed to be buying up certificates without meeting their obligations.

With concerns that such green washing is becoming more prevalent, it is vital that a trusted and transparent rating system is in place, which is where Etheco comes in. We have established a thorough, independent ratings methodology based on trusted data sources. We will be launching our ratings engine very soon, so please stay tuned!

In the meantime, we’ve created the etheco Directory – an independent directory of ethical and responsible service providers you can trust right now.

How we rate

At etheco, we have developed a unique ratings framework, known as the 4Ps – People, Planet, Pocket and Performance:

• People – rates according to workers’ rights, societal contribution, tax practices and modern slavery links
• Planet – explores environmental impact, carbon footprint, fossil fuel involvement and recyclability
• Pocket – focuses on affordability, total cost, fees, warranty and on-going charges
• Performance – hones in on user reviews, complaints, Ts&Cs clarity and unfounded claims.

The end result is a ratings system that is second to none, with one clear score per entry, making it easy for you to switch your gas and electricity supplier and choose a green energy deal that best works for you.

How to switch

Switching to a green energy supplier is a straightforward process. Once you’ve chosen a new supplier and tariff, you’ll need to provide them with some basic information from your current energy bill, including your postcode, the name of your current supplier and tariff, your unit rate in kilowatt hours (kWh), and your annual energy usage. Your new supplier will then handle the switch for you and let you know when it will happen — the whole process should take no more than five working days. However, please bear in mind that switching processes can vary by provider so it’s worth contacting your chosen provider directly for their specific requirements.

You don’t need to contact your old supplier, as the new one takes care of everything. If you change your mind, new domestic contracts can be cancelled within 14 days. It’s also worth knowing that you can still switch even if you owe money to your current supplier, provided the debt is less than 28 days old.

FAQs

Is switching to green energy a growing trend?
Yes, very much so. According to data from the National Grid, in 2015, the amount of green energy that powered the UK was around 14.2 per cent. Last year that figure was 41 per cent, showing a whopping 27 per cent growth in just ten years. 

Isn’t green energy more expensive?
Aside from the vast benefits of green energy on the environment, switching to a renewable energy supplier can also save you money on your energy bills. With the technology and infrastructure needed to create green energy becoming more affordable and efficient, the costs of creating it is dropping while the production of fossil fuel generated energy is becoming more expensive. 

How does carbon off setting work when it comes to green energy?
Well, unlike electricity, renewable gas is much harder to generate and therefore isn’t very widely available. As a result some suppliers will off set the carbon emissions that come from the gas by planting trees, investing in forest conservation or supporting other global green projects.

Are there any suppliers that offer a fully renewable energy tariff?
Yes, some suppliers, such as Ecotricity and 100Green, offer 100 per cent renewable energy tariffs for both electricity and gas – check their websites for current availability and pricing.

I live in a rental property, is it still possible for me to switch to a green energy supplier?
If you pay your bills, then legally you are entitled to switch and source your energy from who ever you like. However, if you’re landlord pays your utilities, then it could be a bit more difficult, but it’s definitely worth asking them if it’s something they would consider.

Start your switch

Switching to a green energy supplier is not only one of the most effective ways for you to reduce your impact on the climate; it is quick, easy and might even save you money too. What’s more, you’ll be helping to reshape the energy sector from being the largest contributor to the climate crisis to a powerful part of the solution.