Last year, we were surprised by an amazing fact: Many people who support green energy and are even willing to put their money in green community energy schemes, haven’t switched yet to a green electricity tariff!
We made a survey to find out why, and the most common response was simply laziness. And not knowing how to go about it. If that’s your problem, come to the Green Energy Switch Day this Tuesday 24th April, 7:30PM at the foyer of the Old Ship Hotel, with your latest electricity bills (and gas bills as well, if you’re interested in dual tariffs), and we’ll sort you out on the spot.
The survey also revealed a number of common questions people have about switching, and we’ll be answering them as well. For a start, see below a useful FAQ on green tariffs:
1. Aren’t green tariffs expensive?
Yes and no. Yes, the average green tariff is more expensive than the average non-green tariff. But no, if you think that:
a. The difference is fairly small. And it isn’t impossible that you find a green tariff that is cheaper than your current non-green tariff.
b. It’s cheaper to pay now a bit more, than to pay for the consequences later.
c. It depends on how green is your idea of green. You may find that the standard tariffs of some big companies are already green enough for you.
To help you with this very issue, we’ll be distributing a quick guide “Green Energy – How to make it cheaper” at the event.
2. How green is the green energy?
That’s easy to answer: As green as you want it! Your options range from companies that are committed to a 100% renewable energy policy, to tariffs that have about 50% renewables, to standard tariffs by big companies that have significantly lower carbon emissions than the rest. We’ll help you navigate through the different options so you can choose what’s best for you.
3. Can I get a fixed plan with a green supplier?
Not currently, but we can advise you on which companies are greener, relatively speaking, within those that offer fixed plans.
4. I have a key meter. Does this mean I can’t switch?
You can switch to another tariff, however you are limited in your options. We can advise on which of those options are greener.
5. I really like my current supplier. I don’t dare switching to a different supplier and be disappointed!
If you are a customer of one of the big companies, all of them currently have green tariffs. You can stay with your current company and simply switch to their green tariff.
6. How do I know if the new supplier’s service will be good?
Thanks to the Internet, there are customer’s ratings on all tariffs nowadays. You can avoid tariffs with low customer ratings if that’s your concern.
7. What’s in it for you? Are you getting commission from selling us green tariffs?
Now that you mention it… yes, we are. If you switch to Good Energy, Ecotricity, Green Energy UK or Cooperative Energy, you will have not only the satisfaction of contributing to the development of renewable energy, but also the satisfaction of making a small contribution to a local community group dedicated to the promotion of eco energy (that is us).
8. Will my energy supply be interrupted when I switch supplier?
No. You’ll still be receiving your energy through the same cables so there won’t be any an interruption to your supply, or any need to dig up the road. Only the company that bills you will change.
9. Am I with my new supplier as soon as I confirm my switch?
No. The whole process takes between 4 and 6 weeks. Your new energy supplier will contact your old supplier and agree a switch over date which they will let you know about. You’ll receive a welcome pack and letter from your new supplier. This will outline what you’ve agreed to.
10. Will I be billed twice?
No. The companies agree a switch over date , so provided you’ve cancelled your Direct Debit, you will not be billed twice.
11. What if I change my mind?
You have a cooling off period of 7 to 14 days. If you decide that you no longer want to switch your supplier, just contact your new supplier and let them know.
12. Can I switch suppliers again?
You can switch suppliers every 28 days if you want to, but be careful to check for cancellation charges.
13. What does really switch when I switch supplier? Doesn’t the electricity come from the same source?
Electricity will be coming from the same source, but what changes is the company that is selling it to you. Each supplier owns a number of power stations across the country. For example, Shoreham power station, that supplies most of the electricity used in Brighton, is owned by Scottish Power. When you switch to a different supplier, they will buy on your behalf the electricity that you are using on the wholesale electricity market. The profit they make on the transaction is used to further the aims of the company. In the case of green electricity suppliers, one of their main stated aims is to build as much renewable energy generation as they can, so even if the electricity you are purchasing isn’t coming from a renewable source strictly speaking, the amount you are paying extra is used to build renewable electricity generation somewhere in this country. As you can see, this doesn’t involve carbon offsets in the usual sense of the word.
If you have any other questions, and/or are already excited at the prospect of switching to a green tariff, please come to the Green Energy Switch Day this Tuesday 24th January, 7:30PM at the foyer of the Old Ship Hotel, with your latest electricity bills (and gas bills as well, if you’re interested in dual tariffs), and we’ll sort you out on the spot. And bring any friends with you that should also switch their electricity tariff.