Founded in 1996, Ecotricity describe themselves as ‘an electricity company with a difference’. Their main aim is to change the way electricity is created, and invest customers’ money in renewable energy sources such as wind power. In 2007, they spent £25 million on wind energy. They are the only green electricity supplier building these sources. Their clients include high street companies such as Lush, the Co-operative Bank and are also recommended by the Soil Association and Oxfam.
Npower supply green energy to both households and businesses, mainly from solar powered sources. Their main aim is to encourage consumers to use less electricity, and the provide several tips on how to achieve this, on their website. They can also install Solar PV Panels to your house, therefore allowing you to make your own energy.
ScottishPower are an integrated energy provider, and therefore generate, transmit and distribute. They are able to offer 100% wind generated electricity, and also contribute funds towards environmental and educational renewable energy products in communities across the UK.
EDF Energy also handle all stages of electricity production, and their aim is to deliver ‘a safe, socially responsible and competitive service’ which exceeds the expectations of their customers, employees and shareholders. They are responsible for generating one fifth of the UK’s electricity.
Scottish & Southern is the UK and Ireland’s second largest generator of electricity, and supplies to about 9.75 million customers. Their primary focus is to ‘provide the energy people need in a reliable and sustainable way’ and ‘to deliver sustained real growth in the dividend payable to shareholders through the efficient operation of, and investment in, a balanced range of regulated and non-regulated energy and utility businesses.’
Centrica were established in 1997 after the demerger from British Gas plc. They are an integrated energy company, operating in the UK and North America
Another integrated energy company, E.on are the second largest electricity generator in Britain and now own the second largest distribution network in the country as well. In February 2009 they announced plans to purchase, set up and test a wave power device in British seas, called The Pelamis, which is to be fully operational this year. They also generate electricity from biomass.
Green Energy UK, an independent British company, don’t have any brown or nuclear energy at all. They allow their customers to become shareholders for free. The green energy they buy is sourced from renewable supplies like wind, water, solar and Biomass. Green Energy UK are about to work with a small tidal energy farm soon as well.
All of Good Energy’s electricity comes from renewable sources, such as wind, water and sunlight. They already have 26,000 clients across the UK, and support over 1000 independent generators. They claim that by switching to them you will cut your carbon footprint by a third. They are also the only British electricity provider whose fuel mix is 100% renewable. Therefore they use no fossil fuels, no nuclear, and no carbon. .