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.
