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Green Tariffs
In the UK around two thirds of our electricity comes from fossil fuel-powered plants and most of the rest comes from nuclear power stations.
Burning fossil fuels like coal and gas emits millions of tonnes of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere each year. Generating power from radioactive materials has many serious environmental consequences too, not least in the indirect production of high levels of CO2 through building, running and decommissioning the plants.
Because of our reliance on these energy sources, whenever we turn on a light, boil a cup of water or watch television we are indirectly releasing CO2 into the atmosphere. Unless, that is, your electricity comes from renewable sources…
Nowadays most electricity companies offer what is called a “green tariff”, which give customers the opportunity to buy electricity generated from sustainable sources. In theory this is a great way of easing people's conscience over their electricity usage and creates greater demand for renewables.
But bear in mind that electricity cannot be generated without at least some impact to the environment, so how green a green tariff actually is varies from supplier to supplier.
Before going ahead and opting for your existing supplier’s green tariff, it is worth taking a few minutes to compare its eco-credentials and prices with other companies’ tariffs first. (All of this information is readily available on the internet).
Some power companies only use renewable sources to generate electricity which removes any potential grey areas over where the power that is supplied to your home actually comes from.
For impartial advice or more information on green tariffs, email info@footprint-es.com. |
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