How to go green #1 Green energy

If you could choose the source of your energy when you next boil the kettle, which would it be: wind farm or power station? It would be great to think that your cup of tea was made using a clean and renewable energy source. By switching to a green energy tariff you can now complete the simplest of tasks knowing it's better for the environment.

With energy price rises hitting our pockets hard, it's important to choose an environmentally conscious supplier that's also good value. Here are the facts on green suppliers from independent energy comparison and switching service uSwitch.

The green energy companies:

1. Ecotricity

   There are two tariffs to choose from - the ‘Old’ tariff, which is sourced from 100% renewable sources, or the ‘New’ tariff, when your money is spent on part renewable energy, and part investment into building new wind turbines. Ecotricity are the only supplier to be recommended by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), The Ecologist and the Soil Association.

2. Good Energy

   Good Energy supply 100% renewable electricity acquired from wind, small-scale hydro, wave and solar power, but do not build or run their own renewable electricity sources at present.

3. Green Energy UK

   Green Energy UK offers two types of tariff – GE100, which provides 100% renewable energy, and GE+10, a cheaper, mixed tariff option that adds an extra 10% of renewable energy than the law requires.

What about the big 6 energy companies?

For most of us, chances are that our gas and electricity is supplied by one of the big six energy giants. So how are they faring in the green arena?

1. British Gas

   British Gas offers a green energy option on all their electricity plans at no extra cost. 100% renewable sources are used and for every 10 customers that sign up, a tree is planted.

2. npower

   npower’s green tariff Juice has the most green customers of all the energy suppliers and delivers renewable energy to its customers via an offshore wind farm at North Hoyle in North Wales. They make an annual contribution of £10 per customer to the Juice fund, which researches new marine and tidal energy sources.

3. Powergen

   The GreenPlan guarantees to match every unit used with one from a renewable source and contributes to a fund dedicated to supporting community-based projects – from solar panels for churches to heat pumps in homes. GreenPlan customers pay the same as they would with Powergen’s standard package.

4. ScottishPower

   Customers have two green choices, firstly by making a donation to the Green Energy Fund, which is used to provide grants for environmental community projects. Or they can sign up to Green Energy H20, paying the same rate for their gas and electricity supply as a standard tariff but receiving their electricity from hydro-stations at Lanark, Galloway and Cruachan.

5. Scottish and Southern Energy

   Working with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, this green tariff pays £20 when you switch and £10 every year you stay a customer directly to the RSPB.

6. EDF Energy

   EDF matches every unit of electricity used with the equivalent amount from renewable sources including hydro and land fill gas. Green tariff customers pay an average of £14 extra a year, but also receive an energy efficiency pack with a free home energy check and energy saving light bulbs.

What's the best option for me?

Of course, the best environmental choice you can make is to reduce the amount of energy you use and save wasting it unnecessarily, however it’s generated. But switching to your supplier’s green alternative, often at no extra cost, is better for the environment and your conscience. And, as always, you should check if you’re with the best value provider.

› Switch to the best value green energy supplier