Green tariffs around the world
The concept of buying green electricity is taking off all around the world. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impacts of their use of electricity, and are choosing to buy their power from environmentally sound sources. This is especially true as more and more countries ‘liberalise’ their electricity markets, enabling customers to choose their electricity company. Below is a summary of the activities in other countries. Green tariffs are very popular in many European countries, with over a million people signed up across Europe.
EuropeIn Germany alone there are now more than 200 tariffs to choose from! Other countries where green tariffs are available include the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Ireland and Switzerland. There are many different ‘quality labels’ for green electricity, which seek to guarantee that a green tariff meets certain environmental standards.
If you live in Ireland, visit: http://www.eirtricity.ie
If you live in Swizerland, visit: http://www.naturemade.org/
If you live elsewhere Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, or Sweden, visit: http://www.greenprices.com/eu/index.asp
AmericasGreen tariffs first appeared in the USA in 1993, and they are currently available in around 30 States. Hundreds of thousands of consumers in the USA have switched to green electricity, and as more States are liberalised, so more green tariffs are launched. Many American green tariffs are accredited by the ‘Green-e’ label, which ensures that good environmental standards are met.
If you live in the USA, visit: http://www.eere.energy.gov/greenpower
Canada has also developed several green electricity schemes recently. Some of these work on the basis that consumers buy a ‘block’ of energy. For example, if you use 3000kWh of electricity per year, you could separately buy three blocks of 1000kWh generated by a wind farm rather than paying extra on your electricity bill for a consumption tariff. Canada also has its own labelling system for green electricity.
If you live in Canada, visit: http://cleanairrenewableenergycoalition.com
Asia PacificA green tariff has recently been launched jointly by the electricity companies in Japan to support new renewable energy. With this scheme, consumers pay the equivalent of a few pounds extra per month into a contribution fund, which will be used to develop renewable energy projects.
If you live in Japan and want to sign up to a green tariff, visit: http://www.tepco.co.jp/corp-com/green/index-j.html
Green tariffs have been marketed in Australia since 1995, and are now available to 88% of the population. The Australian electricity industry is in the process of liberalisation. Even though not all customers can choose their supplier, they are able to buy ‘blocks’ of energy, similar to those offered in Canada. Green tariffs in Australia are accredited by the Australian Green Power label.
If you live in Australia and want to sign up to a green tariff, visit: http://www.greenpower.com.au/
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