Are green energy tariffs really green?

Not always equally. Every '100% renewable' tariff matches your usage with REGO certificates, but only some suppliers actually own generation or buy directly from UK generators. Those that simply buy cheap REGOs on the open market deliver far less genuine impact.

What is a REGO certificate?

A Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) is an Ofgem-issued certificate proving that 1 MWh of electricity was generated from a renewable source. Suppliers buy REGOs to back 'green' tariffs — but a REGO alone doesn't mean new renewable capacity was built.

Is green gas the same as renewable electricity?

No. Renewable electricity comes from wind, solar and hydro. 'Green gas' is usually biomethane injected into the grid, or standard gas with carbon offsets. Most domestic 'green' gas is offset rather than genuinely renewable.

Are carbon offsets reliable?

Quality varies enormously. Gold Standard and VCS-verified offsets are credible; vague 'tree planting' claims with no certification are weakest. Offsets should be a last resort after reducing usage and switching to genuine renewable supply.

Should I pay more for a green tariff?

It depends on your priorities. If genuine environmental impact matters, paying a premium to a supplier that invests in generation is worthwhile. If you mainly want renewable-matched electricity, a £0-premium REGO-backed tariff may be enough.

Which green energy supplier is best for EV owners?

Octopus Energy is generally strongest for EV owners thanks to smart tariffs like Intelligent Octopus Go, which offer very low overnight rates for charging alongside 100% renewable electricity.

Can solar panels save more than switching to a green tariff?

Often, yes. Generating your own electricity and exporting the surplus can save far more than the modest difference between a standard and green tariff. Model your setup with the Solar Savings Calculator before committing to a green premium.

Are green tariffs cheaper or more expensive?

It varies. Some 100% renewable tariffs (e.g. Octopus) are price-competitive with no premium, while suppliers that invest in their own generation often charge £24–£80/yr more. Always compare the total annual cost, not just the green label.

Is it worth switching energy supplier right now?

It depends on your current tariff versus the best available deals. Use our comparison and 'should I switch?' tools to see whether a fixed or better variable deal would save you money today.

How long does switching energy supplier take?

A switch typically completes within five working days, and there's a 14-day cooling-off period. Your supply is never interrupted — the same gas and electricity flow into your home.

Are there exit fees for switching?

Some fixed tariffs charge exit fees of around £30–£60 per fuel if you leave early. Variable and rolling tariffs usually have none. Always check before switching.

Will switching supplier interrupt my supply?

No. Switching only changes who bills you; the physical gas and electricity supply continues uninterrupted with no work needed at your home.

Should I choose a fixed or variable tariff?

Fixed tariffs lock your unit rates and protect against rises; variable tariffs follow the market and can fall. If prices are expected to drop, variable can win, but it carries more risk.

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Green Energy Suppliers UK 2026

Compare renewable tariffs, understand REGOs, avoid greenwashing, and find whether a green tariff is actually worth paying for.

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Green Tariff Checker

Answer six quick questions to see whether a green tariff is worth paying for — and which type fits you.

Current supplier

Monthly energy spend (£)

I want renewable electricity only

100% renewable-matched electricity

I want green gas or carbon offsets

Biomethane or offset gas supply

I'll pay more for genuine renewable investment

Support suppliers that build/own generation

I have solar, an EV, a heat pump or Economy 7

Self-generation or time-of-use setup

How Green Tariffs Work

When a supplier offers a "100% renewable" tariff, they purchase Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) to match your usage. Each REGO certifies 1 MWh was generated from a renewable source.

However, not all green tariffs are equal. Some suppliers own or invest in generation (wind farms, solar arrays), while others simply buy cheap REGOs on the open market without funding new capacity. Use the above, then compare live deals on the Supplier Monitor.

Our recommendation: Prioritise suppliers who invest in new renewable generation, not just REGO purchases.

Octopus Energy

Octopus / Greener Octopus

Invests in generation

Greenwashing risk: Low

Electricity

100% renewable (wind, solar, hydro)

Gas

Carbon offset gas

Typical premium

£0/yr

Best for

EV owners, smart-tariff users, most households

All electricity REGO-backed and Octopus invests directly in UK generation. Strong smart/EV tariffs (Intelligent Octopus Go).

View Supplier Details Compare Tariffs Check If This Supplier Suits Me

Ecotricity

Fully Green

Invests in generation

Greenwashing risk: Low

Electricity

100% renewable (own generation)

Gas

Green gas (mills) + offsets

Typical premium

+£80/yr

Best for

Ethical buyers

Builds its own wind and solar and reinvests profits into new renewable infrastructure and green gas mills.

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Good Energy

Green Energy

Invests in generation

Greenwashing risk: Low

Electricity

100% renewable (UK generators)

Gas

Green gas + carbon offset

Typical premium

+£60/yr

Best for

Ethical buyers, solar homes

Buys directly from independent UK generators with a transparent fuel mix. Good for solar export customers.

View Supplier Details Compare Tariffs Check If This Supplier Suits Me

OVO Energy

OVO Beyond

Invests in generation

Greenwashing risk: Medium

Electricity

100% renewable + carbon offset

Gas

Carbon offset (tree planting)

Typical premium

+£24/yr

Best for

Budget users wanting a green add-on

Electricity from renewables; gas offset via tree planting. Beyond is a paid add-on to the standard plan.

View Supplier Details Compare Tariffs Check If This Supplier Suits Me

British Gas

Green Future

REGO only

Greenwashing risk: High

Electricity

REGO-backed electricity

Gas

Standard gas

Typical premium

£0/yr

Best for

Low usage, brand familiarity

Electricity matched with REGOs but no direct investment in generation. Gas is standard — limited genuine green impact.

View Supplier Details Compare Tariffs Check If This Supplier Suits Me

Historical note: Shell Energy

Shell Energy previously offered a REGO-backed green tariff, but it is no longer an active domestic supplier. Shell Energy's UK home energy customers were migrated to Octopus Energy in 2024, so we no longer list it as a current option.

Before you trust a "100% renewable" claim

Not every "100% renewable" tariff is equal. Some tariffs are backed mainly by REGOs, while others support suppliers that own, buy from, or invest in renewable generation. Run through this checklist before switching:

Does the supplier own renewable generation?
Does it buy directly from UK generators?
Does it publish fuel mix data clearly?
Is the gas actually green, or merely carbon offset?
Is the green tariff more expensive than the benefit justifies?

Green energy FAQs

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Independent PowerGuardian scores for relevant suppliers.

Octopus Energy

91/100

Octopus continues to lead the UK market on customer service and complaint handling, backed by genuinely competitive smart tariffs and strong financial backing. The clear front-runner on our intelligence dashboard.

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So Energy

79/100

Backed by ESB, So Energy combines competitive fixed tariffs with consistently strong service scores. A solid mid-market performer.

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British Gas

55/100

The UK's largest supplier remains financially rock-solid but service and complaint metrics continue to lag the market, with smart-meter billing delays a recurring theme.

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Green Energy Suppliers UK 2026

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Before you trust a "100% renewable" claim

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