National gas and electricity firm Bristol Energy has unveiled three new green energy tariffs that could contribute significantly to the city’s net-zero carbon target by 2030.
The three tariffs, Big Issue Super Green, BE Super Green, and BE Simply Green, were recently introduced as the only tariffs available to consumers of Bristol Energy, except for prepayment meter customers. The supply consists of 100% green electricity and low-carbon gas. Both Big Issue Super Green and BE Super Green boasts 100% gas carbon offset.
BE’s green tariffs are powered by local solar and wind farms, mainly focusing on renewable energy sources from South West-based generators. For instance, the firm takes wind energy from Grannell Coop in Ceredigion, Wales, and solar power supply from Gower Power in Swansea. BE has contracts with 54 independent generators of renewable energy.
Green tariffs for net-zero emissions
Bristol Energy’s new tariff portfolio supports Bristol City’s ambitious goal of achieving a carbon-neutral status within ten years, which is set for a 2030 deadline. With Bristol being the first UK city to issue a climate emergency, BE brought forth its response in the form of the new 100% green tariffs.
Green electricity for the Big Issue Super Green and BE Super Green is taken directly from UK generators and guarantees 100% gas carbon offsets.
BE managing director Marek Mejewicz said that 2020 is an essential year for Bristol Energy since it marks their fifth trading year and also the ten-year countdown to Bristol City’s net-zero target. He highlights the company’s efforts in tackling green energy and supporting the local City Leap project.
Mejewicz also boasts BE’s decision to patronize local renewable generators of solar, hydro, wind, and bio power sources. It is part of the firm’s commitment to backing local communities and businesses that generate renewable energy by providing them with fair pricing and road-to-market for the power supply they sell.
BE’s new products are designed to encourage consumers to do their part for the planet and support green energy. It is also in line with Bristol City’s goal of providing a cleaner, greener, and healthier place to live for its residents.
Bristol City has one of the most ambitious decarbonisation targets in the UK. In 2019, the city launched a plan to gather up to £1 billion in investments to transform it into the first carbon-neutral city in the UK.
Charitable Initiatives
Customers who switch to the green energy tariffs can indirectly help fund the company’s social and environmental projects, including its tree-planting scheme, One Tree per Child programme.
For every switch to Big Issue Super Green or BE Super Green, BE sets aside £20 towards the firm’s charitable initiatives.
Additionally, the Big Issue Super Green rate (both gas and electricity) includes a £30 customer donation to The Big Issue foundation that does significant work to address social and environmental challenges at the local and national level.
All of BE’s tariffs include a referral scheme, wherein customers who successfully recommend their friends to switch to a BE tariff will be credited £20 to their account and another £20 for their friend’s account. BE will also donate £20 to the energy firm’s Fuel Good Fund, which helps tackle fuel poverty.
More on Bristol Energy
Bristol Energy was founded in 2015 and has lately reached its 100,000 residential customer-milestone. It now supplies about 4,500 business meter points and made significant investments for a smarter energy system. It has partnered with Eliq, a software company, to develop an AI-enabled power monitoring app recently. The company has secured a £6.5-million government funding for the project.
The self-learning app is designed to provide custom-tailored energy advice for BE consumers to help cut their carbon emissions and consequently lessen their energy bills.
As a Bristol City Council-owned energy firm, BE has been working alongside the city government to tackle issues like climate change and fuel poverty. The company alleges that it has given back a social value of £12,000,000 to the city.
