The cleanliness of the energy you purchase may not be as advertised, thanks to loopholes in the system. Although the UK’s electricity supply in 2024 reached a record 45% from renewables, the reality is not as straightforward as it seems. Despite the increasing availability of green tariffs, most consumers are still connected to a mixed supply of renewables and fossil fuel-generated power due to convoluted accounting systems.
It is common for energy suppliers to claim that the portion of power consumers purchase is 100% clean, but this might not always be the case. The involvement of brokers and the use of renewable certificates can sometimes overshadow the true eco credentials of energy providers. Thankfully, Good Energy, a renewable energy company, has introduced new standards to help consumers navigate the murky waters of green energy purchasing.
The main issue lies in the outdated certificates known as Regos, which can be traded separately from energy purchases. This means that energy suppliers could potentially buy fossil fuel-generated power while acquiring clean Regos to falsely present themselves as green. Moreover, these certificates carry a yearly time stamp, which allows suppliers to game the system by purchasing certificates for clean energy but selling consumers dirty power.
Good Energy’s head of communications, Ian McKee, emphasizes the importance of transparency in choosing a green energy supplier. He highlights the voluntary system put in place to regulate themselves due to the lack of willingness from authorities to change the rules. The oversupply of renewable energy in the market has led to an abundance of certificates, making it difficult for consumers to discern the true source of the energy they are purchasing
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