Renewable or ‘Green’ Electricity Suppliers

Renewable energy is generated from renewable sources such as wind, the sun, water and geothermal heat. Globally, the most common form of renewable energy is biomass which includes the burning of wood or manure. The second largest type of renewable energy is hydroelectric energy produced from the capture of energy present in water movement, present in waterfalls or created by damming. Renewable energy is used in small off-grid applications, particularly in rural and remote areas. Renewable energy is defined as renewable as it is naturally replenished. Renewable energy is a clean energy source with reduced carbon emissions. Use of this type of energy reduces the need to use unclean energy forms such as coal or gas.

With over 70% of household energy going into space and water heating, considerable amounts can be saved on fuel bills by using a renewable energy source. Biomass or the burning of wood pellets or saw dust is becoming popular. A single room can be heated by installing a wood burning stove which can be connected to a back boiler, and a boiler which burns wood or pellets can heat a house and provide hot water too.

Electricity suppliers are the biggest contributors to carbon emissions at a rate of over 30%. In the UK it is possible to choose an electricity supplier who can provide a green alternative, with 100% renewable energy. Electricity is produced via wind, solar or water sources. Its production does not involve the use of coal power stations or nuclear reactors.

The process of changing over to a renewable energy supplier is very simple. No new cables or meters are needed to be installed as the renewable energy is put through the national grid. A carbon saving of around 2 tonnes per year out of an annual 6 tonnes per household usage can be made by converting to a renewable energy supplier. Renewable energy does cost more than from a conventional supplier. This is because nuclear, gas and oil processes are cheaper to run financially, if not environmentally. However, by being more resourceful in energy use, overall savings on fuel bills per year are possible

Electricity produces up to 40% of carbon emissions. Vehicles produce 23.5%, farms and factories produce 17.3% and domestic heating and cooking produces 14.3%. We are constantly being bombarded with information about reducing car journeys in order to address carbon emission reductions. However, probably the best place to start is by switching to a green electricity supplier in order to reduce the staggering 40% carbon emissions produced. There are plenty of renewable energy suppliers around the UK which are easily accessible via the internet or telephone. Switching over is an easy process and you will be doing your bit for the environment.