Energy crisis: switching to a greener company?

LisaV

Absolutely furious over here. We were with Pure Planet, and we have just been notified that we are being switched to Shell Energy: one of the worst companies in the middle of the climate crisis, and not one that we want to support.

We have noted from Shell's website that their 'renewable' electricity includes biomass - this includes all kinds of very destructive practices including AD plants using maize, that is currently wrecking a lot of our landscape. More info: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2014/mar/14/uk-ban-maize-biogas

We want out, as quickly as possible. How quickly can we switch - and is it possible to switch to a greener supplier without the risk of them also going bust? Are there any decent, credible, ethical green energy suppliers that are likely to stay afloat through all this? We can't afford an even bigger hike in prices than we have to bear, but we want to leave Shell as quickly as possible.

Any advice welcome - thanks.

QrizB

You can try a switch today, if you're that desperate. Worst-case your switch will fail and you'll be stuck with Shell for a bit longer.

Ecotricity make strong green claims and are exempt from the price cap, so are less likely to go bust in the near future.

Edit: but I hope you've got deep pockets to go with your green aspirations, they're quoting me 47p/kWh for electricity and 11p/kWh for gas!

[Deleted User]

Clean power suppliers Good Energy, Ecotricity and Green Energy UK have been awarded permanent derogations from Ofgem’s price cap by the regulator. 

Those agreements mean their respective standard variable tariffs will not have to comply with Ofgem’s controversial tariff cap in a move designed to prevent any hindrance to the procurement of renewable energy.

Verdigris

LisaV said:

Absolutely furious over here. We were with Pure Planet, and we have just been notified that we are being switched to Shell Energy: one of the worst companies in the middle of the climate crisis, and not one that we want to support.

Pure Planet are backed by BP.

LisaV

Thanks for your responses everyone. 
Verdigris - yes, we only just learned that BP had about a quarter stake in Pure Planet. Note to self: must look into these things more carefully next time around!
Dolor, QrizB: thanks, that's interesting. So do we have a situation now where, if you want to support ethical companies you must be rich and able to afford their tarrifs; but ethical energy is not available to those of us who have to watch the pennies? That can't be right from a consumer point of view, surely? 

Verdigris

You can invest in a share of a wind-farm to ensure the green credentials of your energy.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6177271/ripple-energy-wind-farm#latest

QrizB

LisaV said:

Dolor, QrizB: thanks, that's interesting. So do we have a situation now where, if you want to support ethical companies you must be rich and able to afford their tarrifs; but ethical energy is not available to those of us who have to watch the pennies? That can't be right from a consumer point of view, surely? 

That's just how it is. Green energy is currently more expensive and the subsidies are paid to the generators, not to the suppliers.

whirlyhead

I'm with Good Energy as they are a green supplier but they ain't cheap - they're exempt from the price cap!  My utility bill has just gone up 25% (an extra £40 a month). I figure as they charge so much they will be less likely to go bust!

LisaV

Thanks everyone. Much appreciated.

worrywart_3

What about octopus though pretty green but with the energy crisis your better off staying where you at present 

QrizB

There's a very timely article from Which? on this very subject:
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/10/which-reveals-new-eco-providers-for-energy/

Good Energy, GEUK and Ecotricity top the list, BG Evolve, SP and BG are the best of the big companies, along with Bulb, Octopus and Octopus's white label suppliers Co-op and London.

Shell is quite high up the list, too.