Switching to a Green Energy Supplier

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The energy market in the UK has diversified massively over the years. A few decades ago, your choices would have been limited to coal, oil, or gas. Now, not only can you choose between fossil fuels and renewables, but you can even pick which source of renewable energy you’d like to power your home. 

Renewables have been growing in popularity among UK households over the years, but you might still be feeling a little sceptical about leaving your current energy supplier. So, if you’re on the fence about renewable energy, scroll down and we’ll cover any questions racing through your mind. 

To find out how much you could save on your home energy bills, simply pop your details into this quick form, and our suppliers will contact you with a quote.

What's on this page?

Is renewable energy any good?

There are all sorts of benefits to renewable energy – you can shrink your carbon footprint, make savings on your energy bills, and even choose what type of energy you’re sourcing.

If you’ve not yet tested the waters with a renewable energy tariff, you can rest assured that your home will run just the same as when it’s on your average fossil fuel tariff. The main difference is that your electricity and gas won’t be harming the planet anymore.

One of the primary reasons people are starting to switch to green energy is because fossil fuels are finite – and rapidly running out. This means, naturally, that fossil fuel prices are rising while renewable energy prices are falling – and this pattern is only set to increase over time.

 

Is clean energy more expensive?

Comparing prices between green energy suppliers and the Big Six isn’t really black and white. Prices can fluctuate depending on which supplier you go for, the energy source you choose, and the company’s tariff.

There is a common misconception held by most people that green energy suppliers are more expensive than the Big Six. In reality, however, half of the top 10 cheapest tariffs are green ones, offered by challenger suppliers taking on the Big Six.

Check out the price comparisons below:

Data from Which?

Similar to the larger energy suppliers, some green energy suppliers can be quite pricey, especially if they offer 100% green gas. But if you shop around and take your time, you’re likely to come across a deal that works well for your home.

 

Are there green energy suppliers in the UK?

There are plenty of green energy suppliers in the UK to choose from. And as renewable energy becomes more accessible, we can expect to see more of these eco-friendly suppliers popping up over the next few years. 

Typically, each green energy supplier can bring something unique to the table, whether that’s paying for your previous supplier’s exit fee, providing 100% green gas (i.e. gas generated by anaerobic digestion), or even planting trees for each customer that joins. This is great news, but we know some people might find this a little overwhelming – which is why we’ve already compiled a list of the best renewable energy suppliers in the UK

Here, you can suss out which company will best suit your household’s needs, based on customer reviews and meticulous research. 

Top 7 reasons to switch to a green energy provider

  1. Better for the environment 
  2. Can save you money on energy bills
  3. Since suppliers tend to be smaller companies, customer service can be more attentive
  4. Usually no exit fees
  5. They’re never going to run out of energy
  6. More control over how you source your own energy
  7. Renewables are set to overtake fossil fuels in the next couple of decades

What’s the impact on my carbon footprint?

The average UK household's emissions are as high as 20.2 tonnes per year – the equivalent of 12 flights from London to New York – and going green at home can seriously cut this figure down.

Of these 20.2 tonnes, gas contributes 12.3%, electricity is responsible for 10.4%, while things like transport, food, clothes (fast fashion), and other services make up the rest. And, unfortunately, it’ll take more than simply turning off a light switch every now and then to cut back on these emissions.

By changing to a green tariff, you’ll be able to power your home just the same, whilst proudly flaunting your much smaller carbon footprint. Bulb, one of the UK’s popular green energy suppliers, estimates that its average member can lower their carbon impact by 3.4 tonnes of CO2 a year by switching to its tariff. 

Pros and cons of green energy

ProsCons
Reduces carbon emissions100% green gas can be pricey
Offers a variety of energy sources to choose fromSome companies can “greenwash”* their energy, so you need to do your research before committing to a tariff
Companies tend to be smaller than the Big Six, meaning more attentive customer service
Can offer cheaper tariffs than those which use fossil fuels

For more information on greenwashing, click here.

renewables vs fossil fuels

Green energy vs fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are well and truly on their way out. The world has relied on dirty energy for centuries now, leaving us with clogged-up skies and oil-laced seas. 

Despite this, there is still high demand for the finite supply of fossil fuels left on our planet. The longer this goes on, the shorter our supplies of oil, coal, and gas will be, leading to only one thing: painfully expensive bills. 

Most people naturally assume that the end of fossil fuels is another lifetime away, but the harsh reality is that it’s just around the corner. 

So, as we continue to plod along using fossil fuels for the next 50 years until they meet their inevitable end, they will become progressively more expensive. 

Renewables, on the other hand, are set to become increasingly cheaper. It’s a win-win for the planet and your pocket! 

What’s the verdict?

Switching to a renewable energy supplier can benefit you in a multitude of ways. If you’re looking for a new way to reduce your carbon footprint at home, this is certainly a route for you to go down. Plus, depending on the tariff you choose, you could also end up making big savings along the way. 

To find out how much you could save on your home energy bills, simply fill in this quick form, and our suppliers will contact you with a free quote.

Written by:
Beth has been writing about green tech, the environment, and climate change for over three years now – with her work being featured in publications such as The BBC, Forbes, The Express, Greenpeace, and in multiple academic journals. Whether you're after a new set of solar panels, energy-saving tips, or advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint, she's got you covered.
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