Archived press release

Green electricity guide launched

2 January 2004

Consumers are being urged to do their bit to prevent climate change this New Year by switching to a green electricity supplier. Friends of the Earth is urging the public to make the change with the help of a new green energy guide published today (Friday 2nd January 2004) [1]. By using green electricity, generated from renewable power sources such as wind and biomass (energy from plants), consumers can help do their bit to tackle climate change.

Friends of the Earth's Guide to Green Electricity Tariffs provides information about the different green tariffs on the market, and rates them according to how clearly they benefit the environment. All electricity suppliers are legally obliged to supply some power generated from renewable sources (currently three per cent) but some go further and offer a better green deal. Friends of the Earth's guide recommends suppliers who go beyond the legal minimum, generating energy from renewable sources and using green tariffs to increase demand for green electricity.

Most of the electricity generated in this country comes from gas and coal-powered power stations, but these generate carbon dioxide, one of the gases causing climate change. Britain's inefficient coal-fired power stations are a major source of this pollution and Friends of the Earth's 'Carbon Dinosaurs' campaign is calling for them to be phased out and replaced with cleaner green renewable power [2].

This year Friends of the Earth's guide recommends four green energy tariffs:

Ecotricity 121 (Ecotricity), RSPB Energy (Scottish and Southern Energy), Unit[e] (Unit Energy Ltd) and Eco Energy (Northern Ireland electricity) because they guarantee more support for renewable energy in a very transparent way [3]. Furthermore, the companies who offer them do not own any carbon dinosaurs. Eco Energy increases the market for renewable electricity, even though there is no legal obligation to buy renewable energy in Northern Ireland (see attachment).

Friends of the Earth Energy Campaigner Bryony Worthington said:

"New Year is traditionally the time when we clean up our lives. And what could be better than helping to clean up the planet? By switching to a green electricity supplier, everybody can cut back on their personal contribution to climate change. Switching to a green tariff couldn't be easier; find the one that works best for you then contact the supplier and they will take care of the rest."

Notes

[1] See
www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/choose_green_energy/

[2] See
www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/carbon_dinosaurs/

[3] A background document explaining how products are rated is available:
www.foe.co.uk/resource/factsheets/green_electricity_tariffs_2004.pdf (PDF†)

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust