If you’d like to reduce your carbon footprint, but are not in a position to install renewable energy in your home, one option is to switch to a green energy supplier. A ‘green’ energy supplier may have a range of environmental and ethical policies, such as:
- supplying electricity that is 100% renewable,
- supplying green gas
- paying all employees a living wage
- supporting environmental policies
- charitable donations
It’s worth doing some research and comparing what they offer.
Switching to a green energy supplier does not guarantee that the electricity you receive is generated from a renewable source. It is more likely to mean that the company you buy your electricity from is supplying renewable energy to the grid ,or buys renewable energy from a third party. For most green energy companies, only a percentage of the energy they supply to the grid is renewable
Energy companies that have their own renewable energy generators producing 100% of their electricity include:
- Good Energy
- Ecotricity
Both these companies have been recommended to us by customers. Ecotricity is also a partner to the Eastbourne Eco Action Network (EEAN). Find out how switching to Ecotricity can support our effort to turn the Eastbourne area carbon neutral.
Note that switching to a greener energy company probably won’t save you money. Ethical policies such as paying a living wage and using only renewable can lead to higher prices. But check out prices and check out their green credentials, you may feel it is worth the extra.
For more information, see
- Which Guide July 2021: How to switch energy supplier and
- Which Guide September 2019: How green is your energy tariff?
