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Qualify To Reduce Your Business Energy Costs By Up To 65%?

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Five Green Energy Providers for UK Businesses

With the climate crisis becoming more pressing, it could be the best time to switch to a green energy provider

What is a Green Energy Supplier?

A 'green' energy supplier is a supplier that provides businesses or households with energy and doesn't add to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. It does not, however, mean that all of the fuel they supply comes directly from a renewable source. 

 

Using a green energy supplier doesn't mean that all of your business's gas and electricity will come from a green source, but it does mean that the supplier will buy enough 'green' energy from the national network to match your use. So the result for the environment is the same as it would be if your business did use renewable sources. 

How do Companies Produce 'Green' Fuel?

If electricity is generated using hydro, solar, wave or wind power then it's generally considered green. The term means the production of the energy had a significantly reduced impact on the planet's atmosphere. The power comes from an infinite source too, which is why it's called 'renewable'.

 

Renewable gas mainly comes from an uncommon method of breaking down biodegradable material, which produces gas that can then be used as fuel. This is not widely done in the UK, so green gas is harder to supply. If you have a green gas tariff, it usually means that the gas you use in your business is offset by your supplier, who puts as much green gas into the system as the dirty gas you use. 

 

Another method of being 'green' is carbon offsetting, which is when an energy provider will offset any use of dirty gas and electricity by planting trees that will offset the carbon dioxide. The fuel source itself isn't 'green' but the efforts made following its production make it so. 

 

Using a green energy supplier doesn't mean that all of your business's gas and electricity will come from a green source, but it does mean that the supplier will buy enough 'green' energy from the national network to match your use. So the result for the environment is the same as it would be if your business did use renewable sources. 

The Best Green Energy Providers

We've compiled this list of the best green energy providers in the UK so, whether you're looking for a provider that owns its own renewable generation or one that offers a wide range of tariffs and services, we've got you covered.

 

Remember, the production and supply of green and renewable energy is often expensive. Though they can be competitively priced, the dominant supply is from mass-produced fossil fuels, so green alternatives, for now at least, often come with an added cost. There is an opportunity to save money with green energy though, as government schemes allow green businesses to save money on fuel tax. 

Ecotricity

Ecotricity runs a very green company, even ensuring that no animal products are used in the production of the energy they supply. They avoid, for example, the use of manure for fuel and instead opt for a plant-based supply of their green fuel. This makes them the only certified vegan energy company in the world.

 

It offers small businesses their 100% green and vegan energy on what it calls a simple and fair tariff, which comes with the support of its team of expert account managers. This deal is available to businesses that use less than 1GWh per year. The money you spend also goes towards funding green projects across the UK. 

EDF

EDF is another big player in the UK's energy industry and is the country's biggest generator of zero-carbon electricity. They focus on building wind, solar, and nuclear energy producers to cut carbon production and protect consumers from further hefty price rises. In fact, all of their domestic customers get zero-carbon electricity as standard. 

 

For businesses, it offers a range of tariffs. You can choose to have a fixed or variable rate, pay monthly or online, or choose auto-renewal or flexibility. Some tariffs protect you from price rises, while others give you more flexibility. EDF's tariffs will also be on the more affordable side for your business. The specific cost and features of each tariff will vary depending on the provider and your location. It is always best to compare tariffs from multiple providers before making a decision.

Good Energy

Where other companies buy wholesale energy, and then buy cheap renewable certificates separately, Good Energy focuses on the people producing the energy they sell; buying it directly from them. This supports the producers and limits the use of fossil fuels even further - which funds further expansion and means Good Energy are up there with the most environmentally focussed energy supplier in the UK.

 

Being so green does, however, come at a price. Good Energy would likely prove more expensive for your business than many other providers on this list. This would be something to consider if you're a small business with a stricter budget.

Octopus

Octopus, one of the UK's most popular energy suppliers, have a slightly different approach to their green energy production. It supplies customers with fossil fuels but then offsets this by buying the equivalent amount of power from renewable sources. This effectively makes the customer's energy use net zero, as it hasn't added to the overall amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. What's more, is that its green electricity tariffs are often cheaper than its fossil fuel ones. 

 

It chooses carbon offset because it says other methods are not scalable and are often not as green as they first appear. Another thing it means is cheaper green energy for its customers as, through its carbon offsetting approach, Octopus is able to offer its green energy tariffs for a more affordable price. 

100Green

Like Good Energy, 100Green don't carbon offset and, instead, chooses to buy its green energy directly from the people that produce it. This means that, as its name suggests, 100Green can provide 100% green energy to its customers - including green gas which, as mentioned above, is not common. 

 

With its hands-on customer service, and no up-front payments when you join or leave, the company also demonstrates a customer-first approach, as does the range of tariffs on offer. There's a different tariff aimed at different requirements and, for businesses, the company offers a fixed price for two years; making it that bit more affordable for small businesses.

Qualify To Reduce Your Business Energy Costs By Up To 65%?

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Our Partners
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  • Utility Bidder Limited
  • Utility4Business Limited
Our Products
  • Business Accountancy
  • Business Epos Systems
  • Business Telephone Systems
  • Commercial Waste Collection
  • Digital Marketing
  • Fleet Tracking
  • Invoice Finance
  • Merchant Accounts
  • Website Design

FAQs

Your Questions Answered

A 'green' energy supplier is a supplier that provides businesses or households with energy and doesn't add to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. It does not, however, mean that all of the fuel they supply comes directly from a renewable source. 

Green providers and green supplies used to be more expensive than they are now, but they are now often cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives. Some green energy is still expensive, however, and this may be a consideration for you when you come to choose your green energy provider. 

Switching your energy provider is a simple process, and can be done in a few minutes. It's always best to have a good idea of how much your new energy provider will charge you, which is where we come in.

 

By filling in a simple form and providing some information about your business, you will enable us to find a selection of providers for you to choose from, each with a quote based on your specific business. Click below to get started. 

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Read more about how to save your business money
Your Guide to Business Energy Tax

The Climate Change LevyThe Climate Change Levy is an environmental tax aimed at encouraging businesses to operate in a more environmentally friendly way.  The tax is imposed on businesses that use commodities like electricity, gas, solid fuels, and liquid fuels. The rate of CCL your business pays depends on the type of commodity you use and how you use it.  The CCL is a significant cost for many businesses, but it can also motivate investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.What Government Schemes are there for Green Businesses?The UK Government offers some tax reliefs and schemes to help businesses invest in green technology and reduce their environmental impact. These include allowing businesses to claim money back on qualifying energy-efficient plants, electric vehicles, and certain types of green technology:

Octopus Energy Review

What is Octopus Energy?Octopus Energy is one of the biggest energy providers in the UK and is now regarded as one of the 'Big Six'. In recent years it acquired all of the customers from Bulb, which went bust during the energy crisis, which made it into the big player it now is.  Known widely as one of the cheapest places to get energy, its big status has meant it has been able to invest heavily in green energy, adding to its appeal to many customers. What does Octopus Energy Offer?One of the main selling points of Octopus Energy is its commitment to green energy and, in recent years it has been able to make a name for itself as one of the leading green energy suppliers in the UK. A 'green' energy supplier is a supplier that provides energy without adding to the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. There are numerous ways of doing this, and Octopus opt for doing it in the easiest and cheapest way possible.  It supplies customers with fossil fuels but then offsets this by buying the equivalent amount of power from renewable sources so, while the actual fuel they supply may come from fossil fuels, its use doesn't add to emissions. This makes it effectively net zero. This method is the cheapest way of supplying green energy, and the saving is passed onto the customer.  They do this with their gas supplies but, when it comes to electricity, they only use 100% renewable sources. Is Octopus Energy Good for Small Businesses?Octopus Energy is likely a good choice for your business, as its focus on customer service and care means it works hard to make life as easy as possible. By offering things like 12-month fixed tariffs to give you more certainty, options to alter your time of use to save money, and being available over the phone or email, it ensures it's there to meet your business's needs. Its most eye-catching advantages are its constant monitoring of wholesale prices, which allows it to reduce your business's bill as soon as possible and the offer to businesses struggling with bills to explore reducing or pausing them.  With clean energy, fair pricing, and good quality customer care, Octopus Energy could be a good bet for your small business. 

The Big 6 Energy Companies Explained

What Are the Big Six Energy Companies?The Big Six energy companies are the six largest energy suppliers in the UK but, what you may not know, is that the Big Six has actually changed in recent years. Such changes were primarily brought on by the energy crisis the UK has faced in the last few years. In 2019, the big six were: British GasEDF EnergyE.ONScottishPowerSSERWE npower Following the crisis, and the collapse of many independent providers, the 'Big Six' currently consists of seven companies, they are: British GasEDF EnergyE.ON NextOctopus EnergyOVO EnergyScottishPowerShell Energy Shell Energy will soon be leaving the list, following its decision to sell its UK domestic energy business. After its departure, there will be a recognisable 'Big Six' again. Shell Energy will continue to supply businesses like yours, they just won't be as big a name as they are now.  The Big Six energy companies play a vital role in the UK energy market and are responsible for generating and supplying energy to 90% of UK homes, along with millions of businesses. They also invest in new energy infrastructure and technologies, like green alternatives to fossil fuels. How do they Compare to Each Other?The Big Six energy companies vary in terms of size and market share. They all, however, offer a range of gas and electricity tariffs to their customers, as well as other services such as boiler covers and smart meters. British Gas is the largest energy supplier in the UK, while EDF Energy is the second largest, and is a major generator of low-carbon electricity, including nuclear power. Octopus Energy, the fourth largest supplier in the UK, is known for its competitive prices and its focus on renewable energy. ScottishPower is the sixth largest energy supplier in the UK and is a major generator of hydropower and wind power. Which is the Best for Your Business?Reviews of the Big Six energy companies on Trustpilot (one of the UK's most popular review sites) often praise their customer service, competitive prices, and range of products and services. Their size in the industry means they are able to provide many different services that small competitors cannot, making them an attractive choice for many businesses.