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Compare Green Energy Tariffs

Compare 100% renewable energy tariffs in 2026, same price as standard deals, switch free.

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Green energy tariffs

What Are Green Energy Tariffs UK Households Can Trust?

Green energy tariffs are electricity and gas plans where your supplier sources power from renewable sources, wind, solar, hydro, or biomethane, and verifies it using Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) or Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs), both issued by Ofgem.
When you join a green energy tariff, nothing changes about your physical supply. You still receive electricity through the National Grid. What changes is the accounting: your supplier commits that the same number of kilowatt-hours you consume is matched by electricity generated from renewable sources.
Not all green tariffs are equal. Some suppliers buy only cheap REGO certificates without investing in new renewable capacity, a practice critics call greenwashing. The best green tariffs involve direct contracts with renewable generators or genuine investment in expanding renewable capacity.

Main Renewable Energy Sources

The clean sources that power UK green energy tariffs.

1

Wind Power

The UK's leading source. Onshore and offshore wind farms generate over a third of UK electricity on high-generation days.

2

Solar (Photovoltaic)

Panels on homes and large farms contribute significantly during daylight hours. Increasingly cost-competitive when paired with storage.

3

Hydroelectric

Consistent baseload renewable generation, particularly from Scottish Highland schemes.

4

Biomethane

Organic gas injected into the national grid, backed by Green Gas Certificates (GGCs) for certified green gas supply.

Types of Green Energy Tariffs in the UK

Four main types of green tariff, each with a different level of environmental commitment.

1

REGO-Backed 100% Renewable Electricity

The most common. Your supplier purchases REGO certificates equal to your consumption. Available from most major UK suppliers with little or no price premium.

2

Direct Generator Contracts

Supplier purchases power directly from named wind farms or solar parks. Stronger environmental claim than pure REGO-backed tariffs. Offered by Good Energy and Ecotricity.

3

Green Gas (Biomethane)

Backed by Green Gas Certificates from the Renewable Energy Assurance Limited scheme. Verified biomethane injected into the national gas grid and matched against your usage.

4

Time-of-Use & Smart Tariffs

Charge lower rates when the grid is predominantly renewable. Ideal for EV owners, home battery users, or households with flexible appliance schedules.

Green Energy Tariffs: Cost vs Standard Tariffs (Q2 2026)

In 2026, switching to green energy tariffs no longer means paying more. Based on Ofgem Q2 2026 unit rates.

Household TypeAnnual UsageSVT Cost Q2 2026Best Green Fixed DealSaving vs SVT
1-bed flat / single1,800 kWh elec + 7,500 kWh gas~£935/yr~£800 to £855/yr£80 to £135/yr
2 to 3 bed / couple2,700 kWh elec + 11,500 kWh gas~£1,641/yr~£1,380 to £1,490/yr£150 to £260/yr
3 to 4 bed family home4,100 kWh elec + 17,000 kWh gas~£2,460/yr~£2,080 to £2,210/yr£250 to £380/yr
Electricity only3,100 kWh electricity~£820/yr~£700 to £760/yr£60 to £120/yr

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How to Switch to a Green Energy Tariff: 5 Clear Steps

Switching to green energy tariffs UK-wide takes under 5 minutes. Your supply is never interrupted.

1

Gather 3 Details

Postcode, current supplier name, and annual usage in kWh. No bill? Switch estimates from your home size.

2

Compare Live Green Tariffs

Filter for green or renewable tariffs. Results rank by total annual cost with full unit rate and fuel mix shown.

3

Choose and Confirm

Select your deal and set up direct debit. You never need to contact your old supplier.

4

14-Day Cooling-Off

Cancel within 14 days at zero cost. Your old supplier continues supplying until the switch completes.

5

Switch in 5 Working Days

Under the Energy Switch Guarantee. If it takes longer, you receive £40 automatic compensation.

Is switching to renewable energy guaranteed to cost you more?

In previous years, renewable energy tariffs carried a noticeable premium over standard deals. By 2026, the picture is fundamentally different: the sharp fall in wind and solar generation costs means several 100% renewable tariffs are now priced at or below the cheapest standard tariffs on the market.
It is no longer a choice between values and value, you can have both. Octopus Energy, OVO's Planting Promise, and ScottishPower's renewable offering all regularly appear in the bottom quartile of price comparison results for typical UK households.
Switch compares renewable and standard tariffs side by side, clearly labelled, so you can see whether going green costs more or less at your specific address and usage level.

How to Spot a Genuine Green Energy Tariff

Not every tariff labelled green is equally green. Ask these five questions before you switch.

Question to AskGenuine Green TariffGreenwashed Tariff
Where does renewable energy come from?Named generators, direct PPAs, UK-based wind/solar farmsCheapest REGO certificates bought retrospectively
Is fuel mix disclosed?Full fuel mix published; updated annuallyVague or missing fuel mix disclosure
Does supplier invest in new capacity?Capital invested in new wind, solar, or hydro projectsNo investment; relies solely on certificates
Is gas included?Green Gas Certificates (GGCs) for biomethane-backed gasStandard fossil gas; electricity only
Third-party verified?Independently verifiedSelf-certified only; no independent audit

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Who Benefits Most From Green Energy Tariffs?

1

Households on SVTs

If you haven't switched in 12+ months, you're paying the Ofgem maximum. A fixed green tariff can save £150 to £400/year while reducing your carbon footprint at no extra cost.

2

EV Owners

Charging overnight on a green time-of-use tariff can cost as little as 7 to 12p/kWh instead of the standard 24.67p/kWh.

3

Solar Panel Owners

Combining a green import tariff with a competitive Smart Export Guarantee rate maximises your return on solar investment.

4

Landlords and HMO Owners

Green energy credentials are increasingly valued by tenants. Switch lets you compare green tariffs across multiple properties and simplifies the switch for rented accommodation.

5

Environmentally Conscious Households

For households where reducing carbon footprint is the primary motivation, Gold-accredited tariffs backed by direct PPAs offer the most traceable and genuine renewable supply.

6

Small Businesses

Small businesses can also compare green commercial tariffs through Switch. A renewable energy supply supports net-zero commitments and is increasingly expected by corporate customers and procurement teams.

What to Look for When Choosing a Green Energy Tariff

Price is the main factor, but check these variables too. Switch displays all of them for every result.

1

Unit Rate (p/kWh)

Q2 2026 cap: 24.67p/kWh. A green fixed deal with a lower unit rate saves on every kilowatt-hour.

2

Standing Charge (p/day)

Cap is 57.21p/day electricity + 29.09p/day gas, £314/year. Some green tariffs offer lower standing charges.

3

Contract & Exit Fees

Most green fixes run 12 to 24 months. Ofgem waives exit fees in your final 49 days. Switch displays fees clearly.

4

Fuel Mix & Certifications

Check for 100% renewable REGOs and Green Gas Certificates. Look for independently verified claims.

5

Smart Meter Compatibility

SMETS2 meters retain full smart function after switching. SMETS1 may temporarily revert, confirm before switching.

Frequently Asked Questions: Green Energy Tariffs UK

Are green energy tariffs more expensive than standard tariffs?

No, not in 2026. Green energy tariffs are now priced at the same level as, or below, standard tariffs. Increased renewable generation capacity, stronger competition, and Ofgem oversight have eliminated the green premium.

What is a REGO certificate?

Does switching to a green tariff affect my electricity supply?

Can I get green gas as well as green electricity?

Is switching to a green energy tariff good for the environment?

What happens if my green energy supplier goes bust?

Can I switch to a green energy tariff as a tenant?

What is the difference between green electricity and green gas?

How do I know if my current tariff is already green?

How long does switching to a green energy tariff take?

Is my smart meter compatible with a green energy tariff?

Compare Green Energy Tariffs UK: Switch in Minutes

The July 2026 Ofgem price cap is forecast to rise by up to 13.5%. Every household that fixes into a green energy tariff now locks in the current lower rate and reduces their carbon footprint at no additional cost. Switch is free, independent, and impartial.

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