Although there are a number of eco-friendly energy suppliers, as well as more traditional providers that offer green options, there’s only one company that obtains all of its energy from renewable sources. Good Energy has been trading for over 10 years, and is growing steadily with over 26,000 customers across the UK. The company has taken an innovative approach to renewable energy development, so rather than rely solely on large-scale wind farms or hydro-electric plants, Good Energy encourage and support customers who generate green energy themselves. This service makes use of the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) introduced by the UK government in April 2010, which allows for the installation of solar or wind-based microgenerators at your home or business. Good Energy calculates the amount of energy you generate, and after invoicing OFGEM, they pass the money on to you. The company also offers a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for customers who generate their own heat, making it even more beneficial to bring renewable energy technology into your home or business.

Good Energy uses 100% renewable energy sources, with no reliance on fossil fuels or nuclear power. This is confirmed by their energy mix breakdown, certified by the Green Energy Scheme:

• Renewable               100%
• Coal                            0%
• Natural Gas               0%
• Nuclear                      0%
• Other                          0%

Tariffs for consumers

Good Energy operates a small number of tariffs, which cover supply of electricity, gas or both. All of these come with a daily standing charge as well as a per-unit fee, while rates for gas drop if you decide to take dual fuel supply. Although gas rates are constant throughout the country, Good Energy’s energy rates and standing charges vary depending on where you live.

Good Energy is the company’s main electricity tariff, which uses energy certified to come from 100% renewable sources. Rates and standing charges vary depending on whether you have a Standard or Economy 7 meter, and also which area of the country you live in. It’s worth noting that Good Energy’s electricity prices have remained static since 2009, and they have no plans to raise them any time soon. As such, you’ll often find that you’ll get a cheaper deal with Good Energy compared to the standard tariffs of the six major suppliers. The company encourages customers to pay by Direct Debit, but they’ll also accept cheque, card or internet banking payments as well.

The company’s second electricity tariff, 100% South West, is not independently certified, but Good Energy guarantee that all power is obtained from renewable sources. It operates in the same way as the Good Energy tariff, but as the name suggests, it only covers the South West of England. Although standing charges on this tariff are the same as those found on the Good Energy tariff, the per-unit rate is considerably lower, which makes it an obvious choice if you live in that part of the country.

Good Energy also offers a Gas+ tariff, which is not supplied from renewable sources. Beyond Ecotricity’s early innovations in the field, it’s not yet possible to generate gas in a renewable way, and Good Energy has only developed this tariff in response to customer demand. The package operates in the same way as the company’s electricity tariffs, with a daily standing charge and a per-unit rate, although there are no regional variations. However, you’ll receive a discount on your gas if you opt for dual-fuel supply, so it makes sense to sign up if you’re already receiving electricity through Good Energy.