Ofgem issues a REGO for every unit of renewable electricity generated. The renewable energy generator is, however, allowed to sell the REGO certificate and the electricity separately. This means suppliers might claim to offer a ‘100% renewable’ tariff, but the energy they provide could be no different from the general mix on the grid.
REGOs can be bought, sold, and traded like a commodity, leading to varying prices. Therefore, REGOs may not signify that electricity supplied came from a renewable source. Their cost nowadays is very low, enabling suppliers to buy enough REGOs for a year’s supply to a typical house for just a few pounds.
Some industry experts believe REGOs play a key role in supporting the renewable energy market and decarbonisation. Additionally, REGOs can be used to cover the cost of research & development, and wider green energy investment.
When looking to switch to a green tariff, get in touch with your energy provider to learn more about their renewable energy supply.
Green gases are renewable and low carbon gases that can be used in place of fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions in the heat, power, and transport sectors.
Green gas can be produced via Green Gas mills in the UK, a way to make low carbon gas that can be used in our boilers. The main type of green gas produced in the UK is biomethane, with over 80 plants connected to the grid.
Green Gas mills are powered by anaerobic digestion, similar to a cow’s stomach: fed with grass and waste such as grass cuttings or animal waste as a fertiliser, harvesting the biomethane gas it produces and feeding into the grid. This also eliminates the need to use fossil fuel derived fertilisers! Green gas does not release additional fossil carbon into our atmosphere, and can save nearly 87% of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gas in the North Sea.
Traceability certificates also exist within the gas industry, called RGGOs (Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin), under the Ofgem Green Gas Certification Scheme.
The electricity system is shared, with decisions made at a governmental level. Ultimately, the cost of decarbonising is being shared between everyone in the country.
Therefore, while it is positive to switch to a green tariff and buy energy a company making investing in renewables, the key takeaway is to keep minimising your energy use all together via avenues such as energy efficiency measures, all contributing towards a reduction in your household’s carbon
footprint. Switching to a green tariff is only one of many steps you can take, and an easy place to start.