In Praise Of ... Ecotricity

 

It's been a while since our previous 'in praise of...' article. Shame on us. Step forward, Ecotricity - 'the world's first green electricity company'. 

Having just signed up to Ecotricity, this risks being tainted by a certain smugness, feeling a bit pleased about 'doing my bit' to reduce my carbon footprint. However, the intention is to praise a company worth its weight in ... um, carbon. If you haven't been put off by the Climategate email scandal and if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, check them out.

Firstly, it is easy to switch. You can either apply through the site OR (as I did) go to the Green Electricity Marketplace website. You can compare different tariffs, green-star ratings and ROCs. The switch is done between current provider and Ecotricity and all I've had to do is ask for my final bill and provide an up-to-date meter reading.

Cost is not bad either. In fact, it is quite competitive. Ecotricity aim to match their prices with the main electricity suppliers, so it won't cost more to be 'green' - maybe surprising given the idea that 'going green' can be expensive. No more excuses for using 'brown' electricity then.

In contrast to the highly questionnable efforts of other energy suppliers, Ecotricity place importance on 'doing green' rather than 'seeming green' (or 'greenwash') by investing into the development of further 'green' sources of electricity. Something John Grant would support. They've even won praise in the 2007 for their environmental contribution as a sustainable electricity provider.

Ecotricity are turning the tide against the reasons not to live in a 'greener' more sustainable way, offering little excuse for consumers not to be 'greener'.

Simon

Comments

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Due to the increase in the rates of electricity, people are trying other possible options for energy source. Ecotricity is just one of those, and choosing a good electricity supplier can also make a difference. Nice article, thanks for sharing.