Will switching really help tackle climate change? Every switch to green makes an important, measurable difference.
Domestic demand for green tariffs in the UK is currently so low that it uses up a meager 6% of total UK renewable capacity. This means that although domestic demand for electricity in general takes up over 1/3 of the electricity generated for the UK, there is almost no demand for green tariffs from the same market. This is not because people don't want to be green, but because they don't know that green tariffs are available.
In a recent survey conducted by Greenhelpline and YouGov, it was found that 76 per cent of people would switch to a green tariff if it proved cheaper than their current one. Yet despite nearly 85% of homes being able to switch to green at no extra cost and nearly 50% guaranteed to save money on a green tariff, only 6% have so far made the switch. This is because only 14% of UK consumers know that green tarrifs exist and that they are often less expensive.
It is quick and easy for consumers to switch to a green tariff, with the majority able to do so at no extra cost and many saving up to £212/year on their bills. If just 1.4% of UK homes switch to a green tariff this year we will double the current demand for green from the domestic sector.
By switching to a green tariff and encouraging friends and family to do the same you create the demand that will cause the UK to commit more quickly to a predominantly renewable energy system. This will greatly reduce our nation’s emissions and set an example to the rest of the world that rapid conversion to a clean energy economy is possible, economically viable and best of all, powered by consumers like you and me. These achievements are essential in reducing humankind's contribution to climate change.
