22 November 2007
Regulator Ofgem has unveiled new plans to make it easier for consumers to choose between green energy deals.
A 'green rating' for tariffs seems set to be introduced, along with independent verification of energy providers' environmentally-friendly claims.
Tariffs will be marked from A to F for "carbon intensity" after this verification, in what the watchdog says is an attempt to improve the "clarity" of the sector.
Energy providers are also to be required to provide "clear and standardised information" backing up green claims on their websites.
Ofgem's announcement was broadly welcomed by Tim Wolfenden, Head of Home Services at uSwitch, who said: "Consumers may be more likely to sign up to a green energy plan if they are better able to understand and compare them on a realistic like-for-like basis - until now, choosing green energy has been a lot more difficult than it needs to be.
"A rating system should cut through the haze to make it a whole lot simpler and clearer - it’s also good that suppliers will have all of their plans rated, as it provides a consistent approach and yardstick."
Mr Wolfenden added that the new system must be "mandatory" in order to provide the best service for consumers.
Jonathan Stearn, Head of Campaigns at consumer group energywatch, said: "In order to sign up to green tariffs, consumers need to have real confidence in the claims being made by suppliers. The certification scheme must, above all, be independent, developed in conjunction with stakeholders and have a specific focus on consumer interests."
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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