Most of the electricity we use in the UK comes from coal and gas power stations with a further significant proportion from nuclear power stations. The term green electricity is used to describe power derived from renewable sources of energy rather than these traditional fuels. Green electricity is the electricity provided by power companies from sources such as solar power, wind power, hydropower or geothermal power, all of which have much less of a negative impact on the environment than other forms of energy.
Today, many electricity providers offer green electricity, usually in one of two ways. They may have a renewable or green tariff whereby every unit of electricity bought by the consumer on that tariff comes from a renewable source of energy. In many cases this green electricity is available to the consumer at little or no extra charge; you just need to sign up for it. Alternatively the company may have an eco-funds tariff in which case an additional premium is payable which goes towards investment in new renewable energy projects.
All energy companies have to declare the amount of electricity they use from different sources so you can find out what your electricity company uses. Take a look at www.electricityinfo.org for a list of all energy suppliers and their fuel mix. Currently Good Energy claims to be the only UK company offering electricity from 100% renewable sources. You could also consider contacting the supplier(s) you are considering in order to ask them about their green credentials, i.e. what their own environmental and ethical policies are.
To save money on your gas and electricity bills visit our Energy Switch Utilities Marketplace now.
