Energy providers are being urged to do more to promote green energy after a survey revealed just 1 per cent of Bristolians are on a green tariff.

‘Not a priority’

Despite years of education and falling costs for green energy options consumers still say renewable energy isn’t a priority.

The poll, conducted amongst energy bill payers and commissioned by ENGIE, revealed:

• Almost a third (30 per cent) said their energy provider had never given them the option of a green tariff.

• Almost half (46 per cent) of consumers in the city say saving money is a priority for them and assume a green tariff will cost more.

Green is affordable

Yet increasingly green tariffs are affordable.

ENGIE, the largest new entrant to the UK home energy market for 15 years, has led the way by offering 100 per cent renewable electricity on all of its tariffs at no additional cost.

Plus, customers can also receive 100 per cent green gas guaranteed at minimal extra cost – one of the few plans of its kind on the market.

Recent research by uSwitch has also revealed that green tariffs are becoming increasingly affordable.

Responsibility of energy providers

Renewable energy tariffs are backed by 100 per cent green electricity – meaning that, for every unit of electricity used, the same amount is produced and put back into the grid from a renewable source.

Paul Rawson, CEO of ENGIE’s home energy business, says: 

“With so few people in Bristol choosing green energy tariffs, it is the responsibility of energy providers and the wider industry to offer solutions which appeal to and persuade consumers.

“We don’t believe customers should have to make a choice between saving money and choosing a green option and we are optimistic that increasingly they won’t have to.”

Bristol showing environmental progress

There was some good news in the poll results, which also revealed:

• Nine in 10 (85 per cent) people in Bristol say they have done something to be more environmentally friendly in the last year, joint highest along with Brighton.

• Nine in 10 (89 per cent) say they have done something to reduce energy consumption in the last year.

In other positive news, June saw the UK experience a new renewable energy record with a remarkable 70 per cent of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources at one stage.

Paul Rawson adds:

“By working collectively we can take a more sustainable approach to energy consumption to the benefit of ourselves and future generations.”

For further information visit: https://home.engie.co.uk/.