What are Green Tariffs?
Green Tariffs: Funds and Supplies
Why use renewable energy?
Why sign up to a green tariff?
How should I choose between all the different green tariffs?
More Information

What are Green Tariffs?

Green tariffs are products offered by electricity suppliers to allow customers to buy their electricity from renewable sources.

Green Tariffs: Funds and Supplies

• Supply schemes ensure that a certain amount of the electricity you receive comes from renewable sources. The supplier guarantees to buy energy from renewable sources to match your consumption of electricity.
• Fund schemes guarantee that a certain amount of money is invested by the energy supplier in new renewable projects; this can be a fixed amount or based on the customer's consumption.

Around 60,000 customers have already signed up to green tariffs.

Why use renewable energy?

By moving away from conventional energy generation using fossil fuels, we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is one of the main gases responsible for global warming. Electricity used in the home can be responsible for as much as two tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. In addition, by developing generation from these sources now, we help to ensure stable energy sources for the future. By signing up to a green tariff you also send a message to the energy generators that the demand for renewable energy is growing. As the demand grows, the price will go down, making renewable energy more affordable for everyone.

Why sign up to a Green Tariff?

Green tariffs provide a great and affordable way for everyone to get involved with promoting renewable energy. By signing up to a green tariff you may be able to force energy suppliers to increase the amount of electricity produced from renewable sources. You will thereby help to support the development of renewable energy in Britain.

The Renewables Obligation, which came into effect in April 2002, requires that energy suppliers provide an increasing amount of energy from renewable sources. For 2003/2003 the amount was set at 3% and it steadily increases to 10.4% by 2010. By selecting a green tariff you will be encouraging energy suppliers to make even more use of renewable energy.

How should I choose between all the different green tariffs?

Which renewable sources?
If you have any preference about what sources you want to support you should take this into account in making your decision. Many funds support a broad mixture of renewable sources, some specifically avoid energy from burning waste and others select a few specified sources.

How much are you willing to spend?
Most renewable generation is still more expensive than fossil fuels and signing up to a green tariff will sometimes mean paying a small amount more for your electricity. However, some schemes cost no more than conventional electricity supply. Where there are additional costs, these tend to be low, around £2-£9 per quarter depending on the scheme.

For more information please call the Green Energy Centre on: 020 8683 6683