Green electricity tariffs

Sadly, we no longer produce a green electricity league table.

This decision was not taken lightly - as we believe it is vital that individuals are empowered to take personal action to tackle climate change.

Friends of the Earth does, of course, still support green electricity tariffs in principle.

However, we have decided that we can't continue putting huge resources into what should be a government responsibility.

Briefing note

Why Friends of the Earth no longer produces a green electricity league table
(PDF† - 93K) July 2005

The way forward

Thousands of people have joined us in asking Ofgem to sort out a certification scheme for green tariffs. Thanks to your help this is now happening.

The details of the new scheme are not yet finalised, but Ofgem thinks that carbon offset schemes and nuclear power could feature in the new tariffs.

We think that the tariffs should instead help tackle climate change by only including renewable electricity sources.

What you can do

Write to OfGem (see action below) asking for the new tariff scheme to support renewable energy and not to include nuclear power or carbon offset schemes. Ofgem is the regulator of the gas and electricity industries.
You can still switch to green electricity - check which tariff suits you best at Green Electricity Marketplace (this is another organisation's website)
Go a step further by taking personal action. Think of ways at home or at work where you could reduce electricity consumption. For example, switch off appliances rather than leave them on standby.

Press for change

Send an email to Mr Alistair Buchanan, Chief Executive of Ofgem, calling for a renewable electricity tariff accreditation scheme.

Email Mr Alistair Buchanan, Chief Executive of Ofgem

Dear Mr Buchanan,

I understand that you are developing guidelines for renewable and low carbon tariffs. While that is a step forward given the confusion for customers currently, I believe that Ofgem should support the development of renewable energy rather than nuclear power or carbon offset schemes. I am worried about climate change and believe we should invest in renewable energy. Renewable energy has huge potential in the UK and can provide clean, secure sources of energy for the future. On the other hand nuclear power is dependent on imported uranium and produces radioactive waste which must be stored for millennia. Carbon offset schemes are often of dubious value and will do little to help our own energy industry to produce clean energy. The clarity of the scheme is also crucially important. Customers must be able to understand the variations in tariffs and have access to detailed information if they should require it. Information schemes should be tested with ordinary energy customers and amended if necessary before the scheme is finalised.

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Friends of the Earth is a collective name for Friends of the Earth Trust, registered charity 281681, company number 1533942, and Friends of the Earth Limited, company number 1012357, both of which may use the above information. In both cases the registered office is at 26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1 7JQ.

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