Looking for the best green energy supplier? Green energy provision in the UK has come a long way, with many energy providers now offering green tariffs, or completely specialising in developing the green energy sector. This guide helps you navigate the green energy supplier world, allowing you to choose the right balance of price, sustainable credentials, and good customer service.
All ready to switch supplier? Check out our energy comparison tool to see the best deals and make the switch. Otherwise, read on to learn more about the options and what 'green energy' really means.
Find the best green energy deal for your home
Real Homes and MoneySuperMarket energy comparison tool
Use our energy comparison tool to find the best green energy deal for your household in minutes. Simply filter your results to show green energy suppliers, choose your tariff, and we'll take care of the switch for you. Plus, because we’ve partnered with leading comparison site MoneySuperMarket, you'll get access to exclusive energy deals that you won’t find elsewhere.
How do green energy suppliers work?
To clarify: when we speak of green energy, we mean energy that has been generated from renewable sources such as solar wind, biomass conversion, and water. Currently, the majority of green suppliers in the UK only provide renewables-sourced electricity, but not gas (with a few notable exceptions).
The other reality of green energy to be aware of is that to be classed as 'renewable' or 'green', an electricity provider doesn't have to generate the electricity themselves or buy it directly from renewable generators. Under current regulations, an energy provider can qualify as 'green' by matching their customers' electricity use with the purchase of renewable energy certificates. In other words, your electricity usage is matched by equivalent generation from a renewable source, but the electricity you're actually using may be from the standard electricity market.
Even with these drawbacks, green energy suppliers are worth your considerations: all of the companies on our list contribute to carbon offsetting programmes where they're unable to provide energy that's green (this typically goes for gas). Some pledge to planting trees for every customer who joins, while others contribute to charities that deliver electricity to communities in the developing world. While the way that green energy supply works still has a way to go to being genuinely carbon neutral, it is generally a more sustainable choice than standard energy providers.
Best green energy suppliers
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What they're good at
Octopus are a relative newcomer onto the green energy market, but since their launch year of 2016 they have won the trust and appreciation of many, even garnering a 'best supplier' award from uSwitch twice. Those who have switched to Octopus report clear and consistent billing, good prices, and super-quick customer service, even over email.
How green are they?
While 100 per cent of electricity from Octopus is from renewable sources (solar, wind, and hydro energy), their gas is not. However, if you go for their Super Green tariff, which is only a few pounds a month more than their standard tariff, your gas usage will be offset via a contribution to carbon offsetting projects.
What they're good at
Affordability – Bulb are hands down the best where it comes to offering competitive variable and fixed tariffs. Moreover, not only do Bulb not charge any exit fees, but they also will refund you any fees your old provider charges you. Bulb also boast an easy-to-navigate website and clear billing.
How green are they?
All the electricity from Bulb is from renewable sources. They also currently supply 10 per cent renewable gas, which is more than most other companies on our list. The carbon footprint of the non-renewable gas you use is offset by purchasing 'carbon offsets' from a company called Climate Care. Essentially, Bulb fund carbon-reducing projects (e.g. reforestation or delivering energy to developing nations) around the world via Climate Care.
What they're good at
Ovo focus firmly on affordable tariffs, and many people have found their energy affordable. Ovo are also leading the way where it comes to successfully installing smart meters and providing people with electric chargers for their vehicles – great if you own an electric car.
How green are they?
You can get a 100-per-cent renewable electricity tariff with full carbon offsetting for your gas, but you will need to pay £6 a month extra for this. As of 2019, all of OVO's tariffs come with 50 per cent renewables-sourced electricity as standard – not terrible, but be aware that the rest comes from natural gas.
What to watch for
There is the occasional report of trouble with billing, particularly if you cancel a fixed tariff mid-way or move home. Some people report missing human contact when trying to call them. Also note that not all tariffs are green.
What they're good at
Green Energy UK is a leader where it comes to transparent energy service – and great customer service. Those who happily use them as an energy supplier report quick and friendly customer service and smooth switching.
How green are they?
As green as it gets: the only company on our list to provide 100-per-cent green gas generated from biomass, Green Energy UK is the company for you if you want truly green energy without compromise. They also don't use nuclear, which is a bonus if the use of nuclear energy is a concern for you.
What to watch for
This is the most expensive green energy provider on our list, for obvious reasons, so you'll need to be prepared for the higher bills. For this reason, if you go with them, avoid estimated billing, as eventually you could end up with a large bill to pay once the estimate has been update to an actual meter reading.
What they're good at
Co-op Energy have one quality that sets them part from all the other companies on our list: their Community Power initiative, which allows you to choose a tariff that relies completely on energy generated from green energy community projects in the UK. This means that you energy will be not only 'green', but also local – and will contribute to the further development of green energy in the UK.
How green are they?
Co-op offer 100 per cent green energy as standard on all their tariffs. The gas is 25 per cent renewables (which is well above the industry standard), but there also is a carbon offsetting programme in partnership with the charity Renewable World.
What to watch for
There are some reports from dissatisfied customers about the lack of customer support if a billing error is made, especially when trying to get through via email. Smart meter installation also doesn't always go smoothly.
What they're good at
The pioneering green supplier that was sourcing renewable energy before everyone else was doing it, Ecotricity remain committed to changing energy supply in the UK. Their most admirable quality is the fact that the re-invest all dividends into building more renewable energy infrastructure, including an ambitious project to generate their own green gas from their own biomass factories. They are passionately anti-fracking, too, which will appeal to many switchers.
How green are they?
Ecotricity is one of the few companies on our list who actually generate some of their own green electricity (15 per cent), as well as buying from other renewable generators. Gas isn't currently green, but they promise that it will be, and are running a carbon offsetting programme.
What to watch for
Like other energy suppliers that are aspiring to be or are truly 'green', this isn't a cheap option. People also sometimes complain that getting bills in order when they want to leave can result in some issues.
What is the best green energy supplier?
Our top pick of green energy suppliers is Octopus Energy – the company has taken the green energy market by storm, rising to the top in a matter of only four years. Bulb Energy are not far behind, with competitive prices and great customer service. No time to read the rest of the article? Here are all our top picks at a glance:
- Need more know-how? Read our guide to switching energy suppliers
