Green energy
Choosing a green energy supplier means wanting clean power at a fair price, and trusting the company to be straight with you when something goes wrong.
Companies in Green energy
17 companies
About Green energy
Green energy in the United Kingdom covers electricity and gas tariffs that claim to be backed by renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro and biomass. Suppliers range from large established utilities with green product lines to smaller independent firms that buy only renewable power and build their brand around it. Most customers reach these companies online, through price comparison sites, direct sign-up pages or door-to-door and telephone sales, and many switch supplier without changing their meter or pipes.
The market is shaped by Ofgem, the energy regulator, which sets the rules suppliers must follow on billing, customer service and the handling of complaints. Ofgem also oversees the Renewables Obligation and the Guarantee of Origin scheme, which underpin how a supplier can prove that its electricity comes from renewable generation.
Complaints that cannot be settled with the supplier can be referred to the Energy Ombudsman, which is an independent body funded by the industry and free for customers to use. Consumer groups and trade bodies, including Energy UK, represent suppliers and generators in discussions with government and regulators.
Questions about Green energy
How do I choose a green energy supplier in the UK?
Start by checking that the supplier is licensed by Ofgem to supply gas and electricity in Great Britain, which you can confirm on the Ofgem website. Then compare the tariff type, the length of the contract and the exit fees before you look at the headline rate.
What should I compare between green energy tariffs?
Compare the unit rate and standing charge for each tariff, since a low unit rate can be offset by a high daily standing charge. Check whether the tariff is fixed or variable, how long it lasts and what happens when it ends. Look also at how the supplier evidences its green claims, such as Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates or a Green Tariff accreditation.
What does a 100% renewable tariff actually mean?
A 100% renewable tariff means the supplier matches your electricity use with renewable generation, through Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates issued under the scheme run by Ofgem. The electricity you receive is not necessarily generated by the wind or solar farm you pay for, because all power flows into the same national grid. Ask the supplier to explain how its certificates are sourced and retired.
How do I switch to a green energy supplier?
Choose the tariff, then give the new supplier your postcode, meter details and current supplier's name, and it will arrange the switch for you. The switch takes up to 21 days under the Ofgem rules, and you keep the same supply throughout. Your existing supplier cannot charge you a fee for ending your contract early if you switch to a new supplier before your contract ends, but check your current terms.
Can I cancel my green energy contract and what will it cost?
You have a 14-day cooling-off period to cancel a contract you agreed to at a distance, such as online or over the phone, under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. After that, cancelling a fixed-term contract early may trigger an exit fee set out in your contract, and the supplier must tell you the amount before you sign. Review the cancellation terms before you agree to the tariff.
What happens to my energy supply if my supplier goes bust?
If your supplier fails, Ofgem appoints a supplier of last resort and your supply continues without interruption. Any credit balance you hold is protected, and the new supplier will take over your account and tariff terms in the meantime. You can then choose to switch to a different supplier at any time.
How do I make a complaint about my green energy supplier?
Contact the supplier first and ask for a written response to your complaint, as every supplier is required to have a complaints process. If you are not satisfied with the outcome after eight weeks or receive a final response, you can refer the matter to the Energy Ombudsman, which is free for consumers. Keep copies of all correspondence and note the dates of your calls.
What consumer rights apply when I buy a green energy tariff?
Suppliers must follow the Ofgem Standards of Conduct, which require them to treat customers fairly, provide clear information and avoid misleading sales practices. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, the terms you are given must be fair and the information provided must not be misleading. If a supplier breaches these rules, you can complain to Ofgem as well as to the Energy Ombudsman.
Do I have to pay a deposit or sign a long contract with a green energy supplier?
Suppliers may ask for a security deposit in limited circumstances, such as where a customer has a poor credit history, and the rules set by Ofgem limit how much can be taken and how it must be repaid. Many tariffs are offered on rolling terms with no fixed end date, while fixed-term contracts commit you to a set period. Read the contract length and the terms for leaving before you sign.
What should I check in reviews of green energy companies?
Look for reviews that describe a specific experience, such as the switching process, billing accuracy, the handling of a complaint or the response to a meter reading query. Check the dates of the reviews, because a supplier's service can change after a takeover or a change of billing system. Be cautious of reviews that focus only on price or only on the environmental claims, and compare them with the complaint data the Energy Ombudsman publishes.
How do I know if the green claims a supplier makes are genuine?
Check whether the supplier is accredited under the Green Tariff scheme or holds Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates for the electricity it sells, since these are the verifiable mechanisms in Great Britain. The Advertising Standards Authority and the Competition and Markets Authority enforce rules against misleading environmental claims, so vague wording such as eco-friendly without evidence may breach the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Ask the supplier to show how its claims are supported.
What happens if my green energy bill is wrong?
Ask the supplier to check the bill and provide the meter readings it used, and submit your own readings if they differ. Under Ofgem rules, suppliers must correct billing errors and must not make you pay for energy you did not use, with any overcharge refunded. If the matter is not resolved, take it to the Energy Ombudsman.
Latest reviews in Green energy
Better than the firm down the road
Compared with the firm my neighbour used, this was a far more straightforward experience. The surveyor came when promised and explained…
The lights are a bit dim
The charge level lights are a bit dim in daylight, hard to read at times. Otherwise it's fine, does the job for my commute. Delivery took a…
Needed a new supplier fast
We needed a new supplier quickly after our old one went under and I know the sector fairly well from my job. Signing up was quick and the…
Needed to cut the bills down
We needed to cut the bills down after the last rise, so I went looking for something cheaper. The fixed deal came out well against the…
quick switch done
Signed up for a new electric contract on the app while waiting for the bus. Took maybe five minutes and the switch went through without any…
a sound service
I would say it's a sound service, though I'd not call it exceptional. The application went through without fuss, and the decision came back…