What makes an ethical energy company

We’ve teamed up with Good Energy, fellow B Corp and ethical energy leader, to support our owners in transitioning to renewable energy. This partnership isn't about financial gain for either of us – it’s simply driven by our shared commitment to tackling the climate crisis. You can read more about the partnership and the discounts available to our owners here. We’re also collaborating with Good Energy to provide information, advice, and incentives for adopting renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar panels.

Are they actively creating new sources of green energy? 

Expanding renewable capacity in the UK is crucial for the future of clean energy production. Look for an energy company that’s investing in new renewable sources to help increase the grid’s percentage of green energy. 

Are they committed to not building more fossil fuel plants? 

Check if the supplier has made a clear, public commitment to move away from fossil fuels. Some companies continue to invest in fossil fuel generation while claiming a renewable status through various purchasing agreements (which we’ll explain shortly). 

Are they helping customers reduce energy usage? 

Even with the cleanest energy sources, cutting down on consumption is key. The less energy we use, the more effectively renewable sources can meet demand. Look for suppliers that offer advice and incentives to help customers reduce their energy consumption. 

How do they treat their vulnerable customers? 

Ethics go beyond clean energy production. Find out if the supplier is doing anything to support those most affected by challenges like the cost-of-living crisis. Their treatment of vulnerable customers can reveal a lot about their overall ethos. 

Are their environmental claims genuine? 

Be cautious of companies claiming to be fully renewable, as these claims can vary in their validity. In particular, watch out for REGOs. REGO certificates are issued to renewable generators for every megawatt hour of energy produced, but they can be sold separately from the energy itself. This means some suppliers can purchase energy from non-renewable sources, buy REGOs to match, and market themselves as 100% renewable. For a deeper dive into this, Ethical Consumer is a fantastic resource. 

Are they supporting customers in transitioning to renewable technology? 

An ethical energy supplier should aim to help you make your home more energy-efficient, reducing both your energy usage and carbon footprint. For example, Good Energy provides tailored advice on solar and heat pump systems, knowing that every property and household is different. 

Ethical Consumer ranks Good Energy, Ecotricity, Octopus, and 100Green as the top four ethical energy suppliers in the UK. To learn more about why, you'll need to sign up for an Ethical Consumer membership. We believe it's worth the small fee! It’s a resource we often use to evaluate companies we work with.