Green tariffs offer alternative for eco-friendly

With the Government making renewable energy a key point on its green agenda, price comparison site moneysupermarket.com reviews ‘green' utilities tariffs currently on the market.

Traditionally viewed as the costly option, research shows that the gap between online and ‘green' tariffs offered by the big six is beginning to close; on average the difference is £97.73 per year. The cheapest dual fuel green tariff is from Scottish & Southern Energy. Costing an average £945.79 per year, its Power 2 tariff is just £50 more expensive than its online counterpart.

Dedicated green electricity from dedicated green companies such as Ecotricity, Good Energy and Green Energy, also present a competitive alternative to the green tariffs offered by the big six. When coupled with the best average gas tariff on the market, green electricity from Ecotricity comes in at an average bill of £966 a year.

Paul Schofield, head of utilities at moneysupermarket.com, said: "Any move towards a greener Britain can only be a positive one. The Government's pledge of £100 billion over the next decade to boost renewable energy in the UK is a step in the right direction and hopefully its promises will be delivered.

"Green tariffs offer a great alternative for eco-friendly Brits and our research shows it doesn't cost over the odds to go green. However, while most of us want to reduce our carbon footprint, the reality is the majority of UK households just want cheaper bills and the most savvy may just opt for the best value deal.

"As with any tariff people considering green deals need to ensure they are on the right tariff for their consumption and region, and do not waste hard-earned cash by not reviewing their bills on a regular basis."