- Six green energy tariffs have received the highest Gold classification from Uswitch’s Green Accreditation — with 10 eco tariffs overall[1]
- Tariffs from 100 Green and Good Energy received a Gold rating for being entirely underpinned by direct source renewable electricity and a supporting proportion of green gas[1]
- Select tariffs from Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next got Silver, while one tariff from E.ON Next was classified as Bronze[1]
- The overall number of green deals is down 91% since 2021[2]
- More than two in five consumers (44%) aren’t sure what qualifies a tariff to call itself green[3], while a quarter of those on green tariffs only chose them because it was the cheapest option[4]
- The Uswitch Green Accreditation — led by a panel of independent experts — helps consumers understand green tariffs and the different approaches suppliers are taking on renewable energy.
Six green energy tariffs from two suppliers have received the highest Gold classification[1] by the Uswitch Green Accreditation, which recognises the deals that are entirely underpinned by direct source renewable electricity and a supporting proportion of green gas[1].
Six dual fuel tariffs were judged to be market-leading for their green credentials[1] by an independent panel of experts brought together by the price comparison and switching service Uswitch.com.
Various tariffs from Octopus, OVO and E.ON Next reached the Silver standard, while one tariff from E.ON Next was classified as Bronze[1].
The number of green tariffs available on the market has fallen dramatically since the energy crisis, falling from 115 in 2021[4] to 38 in 2022[5] and 10 in 2024.
The Uswitch Green Accreditation, which launched in 2021, is the first scheme to categorise tariffs into Bronze, Silver and Gold categories, with the aim of helping consumers better understand green tariffs and the different approaches suppliers are taking on renewable energy[1].
This year the Green Accreditation panel also gave four supplier commendations for 2024:
- 100Green was commended for offering 100% Green Gas on all of their tariffs.
- Good Energy was commended for its use of time-matched renewables and clear evidence of their positive impact.
- Octopus Energy was commended for tariff-level innovation and its support in digitalising the retail energy market.
- OVO was commended for its commitments to engaging customers and communities on sustainability, including its rollout of Energy Experts.
More than two in five consumers (44%) aren’t sure what qualifies a tariff to call itself green, with only one in seven (14%) saying they were very confident about their understanding of green deals[2].
Two-fifths of UK households (38%) believe they are on a green energy tariff[6], but the number is likely to be much lower in reality. A quarter of those who believe they are on a green tariff took the deal because it was cheapest – not for any eco-friendly reasons[4].
Uswitch Green Accreditation categories recognise tariffs based on the level of renewable energy suppliers buy for the tariff directly.
What each classification means:
| Classification | What it means |
|---|---|
| Bronze | Bronze Standard Green tariffs provide electricity that is matched with renewable generation certificates (REGOs). Suppliers can buy these certificates to show how much renewable electricity has been put on the grid. |
| Silver | Silver Standard Green accreditation is given to tariffs that include 100% of electricity bought directly from renewable generators via so-called Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). |
| Gold | Gold Standard Green tariffs provide 100% of renewable electricity from PPAs and cover a minimum of 10% green gas. |
Source: Uswitch.com
Consumers will be able to see the details of a green tariff and whether it has received Green Accreditation by visiting Uswitch.
Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.com, comments: “Suppliers must continue to find ways to help consumers go green and support the progress towards net zero, both through their tariffs or other initiatives.
“As the wholesale price of REGO certificates has risen, it has become more costly for suppliers to offer even entry-level certificate-backed green tariffs, and with households seeing higher underlying costs of energy in recent years, it’s not surprising to see a significant fall in the total amount of green tariffs available today.
“The good news is that quality green tariffs are still available, with six Uswitch Green Accreditation Gold-rated dual fuel tariffs currently on the market. It is good to see a variety of green tariffs from several suppliers in the market, offering consumers a choice of deals which support renewable generation on the grid.”
Find out more about Uswitch’s Green Accreditation.
For more information
Beverley Noble | Energy PR Manager
beverley.noble@rvu.co.uk
Twitter: @UswitchPR
Notes to editors
Research conducted online by Opinium, 17th - 24th July 2024, among 3,000 UK adults, weighted to be nationally representative.
1. Uswitch Green Accreditation data based on information submitted by suppliers. See table below.
2. Green deals fell from 115 in 2021 to 10 in 2024. 115 - 10 = 105. 105/115 = 91.3%. There were 8 Gold standard deals in 2021 versus 6 in 2024.
3. Respondents were asked ‘Which of the following best describes your level of understanding of what makes a ‘green tariff’?’ 33% said ‘Not confident I know what makes a green tariff’, 11% said ‘No understanding of what makes a green tariff’. 33% + 11% = 44%. 14% said ‘Very confident I know what makes a green tariff’.
4. Respondents were asked ‘You mentioned that you currently have a green tariff. Which, if any, best describes why you chose this? Please select all that apply’. 27% said ‘It was the cheapest option, I don’t care whether it’s green or not’. 11% said ‘I want to look good in front of friends and family’.
5. Uswitch Green Accreditation May 2021
6. Respondents were asked ‘Is your current energy tariff advertised or named as a ‘green tariff’?’ 14% said ‘Yes - I’m certain it is’. 24% said ‘Yes - I think it is.’ 28% said ‘No - I don’t think it is.’ 10% said ‘No - definitely not.’
List of accredited Bronze, Silver and Gold tariffs by supplier:
| Supplier | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| E.ON Next | 1 | 1 | |
| Good Energy | 1 | ||
| Octopus Energy | 1 | ||
| OVO Energy | 1 | ||
| 100Green | 5 | ||
| Total | 1 | 3 | 6 |
Source: Uswitch.com