14 December 2006
Britain's energy suppliers must be more honest about their green tariffs and spell out clearly what the environmental benefits really are from choosing their services according to the National Consumer Council (NCC) and consumer watchdog energywatch.
The call comes after an investigation by the NCC revealed that while many consumers were prepared to pay a premium rate for 'going green', many of the eco-friendly tariffs had little positive effect on the environment.
Lord Larry Whitty, NCC's chairman, said: "With consumers increasingly trying to do their bit for the environment, switching to a green tariff should be a simple way for them to make a difference.
"But our investigation shows that it's too easy for consumers to be confused and misled. They may think they are helping save the planet, but it's not clear that they are.
"That's why we're calling for a shake up in how companies market and sell their green tariffs and for them to offer bigger environmental benefits. Even the better tariffs would only cut the carbon dioxide emissions of a typical household by around 6%."
Adam Scorer, energywatch's director of campaigns, added that the two consumer action groups would be pressing energy suppliers to sign up to minimum standards for green claims and have their tariffs and carbon dioxide savings independently audited.
"That would mean no more unsubstantiated claims and clear, accurate, comparable information about the environmental benefits offered and the carbon emissions saved if a customer signs up," he said.
Making small changes to your gas and electricity use can help save the planet and save you money too. Read tips on how to be more energy efficientRead tips on energy efficiency and see if you can Save by switching your gas and electricity supplier by using uSwitch.com's free and impartial comparison and switching service.
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