Renewable Energy Providers
Are you wondering who the best renewable energy providers are in Australia, and how to switch to one of them? Find out here with Savvy.
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Renewable energy providers are leading the way towards a greener future by using clean and renewable energy sources. These companies offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions and helping the environment. They use sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy to power homes and businesses sustainably. Find out all about renewable energy providers here with Savvy so you can make cleaner, greener choices about how you power your home or business.
Who are the renewable energy providers in Australia?
In Australia, there are over 35 energy retailers, between them offering hundreds of energy plans. However, there are only 22 of these companies who are GreenPower accredited to offer renewable energy plans. These accredited providers are:
- ActewAGL
- AGL
- Amber Electric
- CovaU Energy
- Diamond Energy
- Discover Energy
- Dodo Energy
- Energy Locals
- Energy Australia
- Ergon Energy
- Flow Power
- Lumo Energy Australia
- Momentum Energy
- Nectr Energy
- Origin Energy
- OVO Energy
- ReAmped Energy
- Red Energy
- Powershop Australia
- Simply Energy
- Synergy
- Tango Energy
What is the GreenPower scheme?
The GreenPower scheme is an initiative in Australia that allows electricity customers to support and purchase renewable energy from accredited sources. When consumers opt for GreenPower, a portion or all of their electricity consumption is matched with renewable energy generated from sources like wind, solar, hydro, and biomass. By choosing GreenPower, customers can contribute to the development and growth of renewable energy projects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting a more sustainable energy future.
The scheme is administered by the Australian government and offers various GreenPower percentages that customers can select based on their environmental preferences and energy needs. Accredited retailers participate in the GreenPower program, ensuring that the purchased renewable energy meets strict environmental and quality standards. It provides an opportunity for individuals and businesses to take an active role in promoting clean energy and mitigating the impact of traditional fossil fuels on the environment.
Which retailers are the cleanest, greenest energy providers?
Naturally all energy retailers want to promote their environmental credentials, making claims that are hard for the average Aussie to check up on. Therefore, we’ve turned to environmental organisation Greenpeace to be the referee about which energy companies are the cleanest and greenest.
Greenpeace is the largest environmental organisation in the world, with an international membership of over three million and offices in over 40 countries.
This is Greenpeace Australia’s list of the top 10 green energy providers in Australia, taken from their Green Electricity Guide (correct as of 31 October 2023):
| Greenpeace Ranking | Energy Provider | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Diamond Energy |
5 |
|
2 |
Momentum Energy |
4.5 |
|
3 |
Energy Locals |
4.5 |
|
4 |
CoPower |
4.5 |
|
5 |
Nectr Energy |
4 |
|
6 |
Amber Electric |
4 |
|
7 |
Powershop Australia |
4 |
|
8 |
Mojo Power |
3.5 |
|
9 |
Lumo Energy |
3.5 |
|
10 |
Red Energy |
3.5 |
How does Greenpeace rank energy providers?
Greenpeace uses six criteria to judge how energy retailers stack up against each other. Their criteria are:
- Providing clean, renewable energy
- Ending coal use by 2030
- Halting fossil fuel expansion
- Support for new renewable energy
- Pollution & environmental harm
- Transparency in marketing
Are carbon neutral or green energy plans more expensive?
Yes, they can be. If you choose to purchase a 100% GreenPower plan, you may pay around five to eight cents per kWh more than a standard electricity plan. The average family uses around 17.5kWh – 20-kWh per day, so you’ll be looking at paying between about $320 to $500 extra for 100% GreenPower per year.
However, some energy retailers offer free carbon offsetting programmes, known as carbon neutral plans. This means that for all the power you use, the retailer will offset the carbon emission equivalent to that of your energy use. There are also green energy plans that offer the opportunity to offset a portion of your energy use using GreenPower, making it less expensive to support green energy in Australia.
The price of carbon-neutral or green energy plans is influenced by several factors, including the availability of renewable energy sources, government incentives, and the overall demand for clean energy options. As the adoption of renewable energy technologies increases and economies of scale improve, the cost difference between green energy plans and conventional plans is likely to decrease over time.
How do I make the switch to a cleaner energy provider?
To switch electricity providers with Savvy, follow these steps:
- Provide your details: Share information about the type of plan you need and your current feed-in tariffs (if you have solar panels). Having your current electricity bill handy helps, as you'll need to provide usage and meter details.
- Compare offers: Savvy will quickly present you with a range of electricity offers based on your location and preferences. You can see available plans and potential savings in your area.
- Select your plan: Once you find a greener energy plan that suits your needs, select it and then follow instructions for making the switch. Your new retailer will take care of the process for you, making the switching process hassle-free.
- Provide details to the new supplier: If you decide to switch and find great savings, your new energy provider will contact you to confirm the plan and arrange the contract.
- Finalise the switch: Your former supplier will conduct a final meter reading and issue a final bill. The switch typically takes only two to three days, ensuring you won't be without power during the process.
After switching and finding a greener energy plan, it's essential to regularly review and compare energy providers to ensure you're always getting the best offer for your personal requirements.
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Disclaimer:
Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of energy plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an energy plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.
Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an energy plan. For further information on the variety of energy plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.