Uswitch Green Accreditation
Ready to go green? We’re here to help you switch to a green energy tariff with confidence.
What is Uswitch Green Accreditation?
Uswitch Green Accreditation aims to make green energy tariffs easier to understand so you can pick the one that’s right for you.
Levels defined by experts
Our expert panel defines the Green Accreditation levels (Bronze, Silver or Gold) according to a range of factors (covered below).
Look for the level badge
Each tariff is given a badge when it’s been assigned Bronze, Silver or Gold status, so look out for those badges on the results table when you compare energy deals.
Make a confident choice
You switch to the right green energy tariff for you, as you would with any new energy tariff.
How are the levels set?
Our panel of industry experts define the different Green Accreditation levels according to these criteria:
- Where the energy comes from
- How the energy is purchased
- What percentage of renewable energy customers actually receive
How do the tariffs compare?
| Bronze | Silver | Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable electricity | 100% (matched with REGOs) | 100% (purchased via PPAs) | 100% |
| Renewable gas | 0% | 0% | 10% (minimum) |
Bronze tariffs provide electricity that is matched with renewable generation certificates (REGOs). Suppliers can buy these certificates to show how much renewable electricity they are sourcing to supply customers with.1
A Silver tariff goes a step further than a Bronze tariff. Silver tariffs feature 100% electricity bought directly from renewable generators via Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).2
A Gold tariff provides 100% of renewable electricity from PPAs, and 10% of green gas.3
What's the difference between REGOs and PPAs?
REGOs (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) are certificates issued to prove that energy was generated from renewable sources. Suppliers can purchase these certificates to indirectly source renewable energy - they don't have to have a direct purchase agreement with the generator.
In contrast, PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) are direct contracts between an energy supplier and a renewable energy generator. The supplier buys a specific amount of renewable electricity at a specified price for a set time period. This may help it clearly demonstrate that it is actively involved in renewable projects.
Uswitch Green Commendation - Outstanding Contribution
Choosing a green energy tariff is only part of becoming more sustainable - how we use energy at home matters too. There are many ways we can improve that and energy suppliers have started helping their customers on that journey.
This is why Uswitch Green Accreditation is expanding to include Outstanding Contributions in categories that the Green Accreditation Panel sees as most valuable at the moment for the energy transition. Commendations are awarded to suppliers by the panel judging their individual submissions based on their individual merit.
100Green
100Green is commended for its commitment to sustainability through fully renewable energy solutions for customers. As the only domestic supplier to offer 100% green gas, 100Green demonstrates dedication to making green energy accessible and impactful for everyone.
Good Energy
This commendation recognises Good Energy for its work on time-matched renewables and evidencing their positive impact. Focusing on renewable energy generation that matches real-time usage, Good Energy is making a big difference in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the efficiency of green energy use.
Octopus Energy
Octopus is commended for leading the charge in creating forward-thinking tariffs that benefit customers and drive the digitisation of the energy market. By supporting digital advancements, Octopus is helping to build a smarter, more efficient energy landscape that empowers customers.
OVO Energy
OVO’s commendation recognises its commitment to impactful customer service and environmental sustainability. Community-driven energy projects and tailored advice from local Energy Experts are just two innovative ways OVO has set a high standard for effective engagement.
Who sets the tariff levels?
Our independent panel of experts has reviewed the green energy market so you don’t have to.
The panel sets the criteria that tariffs are being assessed against, and will review the criteria annually to ensure it reflects current market conditions. This ensures you can always trust you are choosing a tariff that reflects best practice at the time.
Maxine Frerk
Matthew Hannon
Professor Matthew Hannon is the Director of the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities. He sits on Labour’s Local Power Plan working group to inform their 2024 manifesto policy. He is a member of BSI/Defra’s Strategic Advisory Group for Nature Investment Standards and has been invited to act as Lead Technical Author for their Community Benefits Standard. Finally, he is chair and trustee of the community environmental charity South Seeds and founder of the award winning Local Zero podcast that champions local climate action.
Jeffery Hardy
Jeff is the Director of Sustainable Energy Futures Ltd, a consultancy that provides clients with zero-carbon energy transformation advice, analysis, and challenges. He advises the Welsh Government on establishing Ynni Cymru, an energy company for Wales. He is also the Deputy Chair of the UK Power Networks Customer Engagement Group and a member of the UKPN DSO Supervisory Board.
Rosie McGlynn
Rosie McGlynn is currently director at Mentone Energy Consultancy. She has over twenty years' experience in the energy industry, having worked for energy suppliers and Energy UK.
Richard Neudegg
Richard is Director of Regulation at Uswitch. His expertise in consumer and market regulation with Uswitch is unrivalled, having extensive experience in the communications industry, including previously working for the sector’s regulator.
Chris Welby
Chris is trustee of Severn Wye Energy Agency and was previously head of regulation at Bristol Energy and policy and regulatory affairs director at Good Energy. Chris has over 25 years of experience in energy, with particular focus on energy regulation, decentralised generation and renewable energy.
1To reach Bronze Standard Green Accreditation, tariffs must include the following:
Electricity that is matched with renewable generation certificates (REGOs)
Suppliers buy these certificates to show that renewable energy has been generated and placed onto the energy grid, although this renewable energy is not assigned to the tariff. Any energy plan that is labelled as green must meet this requirement as a minimum.
2To reach Silver Standard Green Accreditation, tariffs must include:
100% of electricity bought from renewable generators under power purchase agreements (PPAs)
All Silver Standard Green tariffs must meet Bronze Standard to be considered.
3To reach Gold Standard Green Accreditation, tariffs must include the following:
100% of electricity bought from renewable generators under PPAs and at least 10% of green gas, with all emissions from gas being offset.
All Gold Standard Green tariffs have to meet the Silver Standard to be considered.
