The Green Energy Supply Certification Scheme was launched in February 2010 and aims to reduce customer confusion and mis-selling of “green” energy in the UK marketplace. The scheme is independent and verifies the claims made by energy suppliers against their Green Energy tariffs. The scheme is similar to a kite mark in that a “Green Label” is awarded to renewable energy products that deliver real measurable environmental differences and this is assessed by a panel of qualified experts. It is further supported by Ofgem, the government regulator of gas and electricity markets in the UK, and is governed by the Green Supply guidelines published by Ofgem. It is considered that by purchasing a Green Energy tariff with the label, you can be confident that you are buying electricity that comes from a renewable source and additional environmental benefits are being delivered above regulatory obligations.

So what must suppliers do to gain a “Green Label”?

Firstly, all energy used must be matched with the Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs). These are certificates that are attached to electricity produced from renewable sources and can be bought from EU member states. The supplier has to show that they have purchased enough renewable energy to supply it to the customers who have signed up to their Green Tariff, however this does not necessarily increase the amount of renewable energy produced in the UK. Suppliers are obliged to supply a certain amount of renewable energy through the Renewables Obligation (RO) regardless of whether you sign up to a green tariff.

As a result, the supplier must also do one of the following:

• Carbon offsetting – as long as it is certified under either the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) quality Assurance Scheme for Carbon Offsetting (QAS) or the Gold Standard for regulated credits e.g. in the provision of fuel efficient stoves, 1.8 tonnes of CO² must be offset through the QAS or 1 tonnes of CO² through the Gold Standard.
• “Additional Activities” such as providing cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, and energy saving advice. At least 50kg of CO² per customer must be saved through this method.
• Providing a Green Fund – to be used for investment in measures such as renewables on community buildings. Again, at least 50kg of CO² per customer per year must be saved.
• Other activities accepted on the discretion of the assessment panel.

Although the Green Energy Supply Certification Scheme is voluntary, all suppliers who have joined the scheme are unable to marker other, non certified tariffs, as “Green”. Therefore, if you’re looking for a green tariff and are worried about being mislead, choosing a Green Label awarded tariff is a safe bet. So look out for the green label:

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Generate-your-own-energy/Buying-green-electricity

http://www.greenenergyscheme.org/index.php?page=about/objectives