Why? Because it’s one of the biggest impacts we can have on ushering out the fossil fuel age.
INSPIRING FACT
In Canada, most of the power into their homes is renewable with the coal portion being a single digit percentage.
Renewable energy - in other words, sources of power generation where the source is potentially endless like water, sun and wind - is one of the top (and rapidly growing) solutions to the climate crisis.
The most common kinds are:
Onshore & offshore wind
Solar
Hydro power
Marine (wave and tidal power)
Biogas
It’s also widely agreed that decarbonising power will need a mix of technologies, including nuclear.
As we move away from petrol vehicles and gas central-heating, we’ll likely need nearly 3 times as much electricity than we currently produce. So it’s even more important that we support environmentally friendly energy options, driving investment by our buying choices…and that’s where we all come in. One of the largest parts of our carbon footprint is home energy use, so changing that up can shrink it in a big, big way.
Ok got it. So how do I take action?
There are many ways to access renewable energy including installing your own solar panels, buying into community solar, etc.. To keep it simple let’s focus on an easy switch. Here’s how:
First, check how much renewable energy your current supplier is producing by looking at its ‘fuel mix’ information. It shows how much of the power they sell comes from coal, gas, nuclear sources and renewable sources so you can see how green their electricity really is.
If it’s not, check to see if you’re tied into a fixed-term contract. If you can’t yet switch, mark your diary for a few weeks before your current term expires and do it then. A simple thing like missing a date, is what scuppers us!
What your really want to do is look for the providers investing in actually developing the green infrastructure. Many are essentially buying the clean energy that’s already in the grid (called renewable energy certificates). Ideally, you want the ones that turn bills into mills. Ecotricity are up there, as the best of the best.
Not forgetting, that no matter how green the power, the most important thing is to keep minimising our energy use…at least until we are in an entirely fossil fuel free world.
But will it cost me more money?
Typically a bit more. As the infrastructure and people making the switch increase, prices are decreasing with many offering appealing referral bonuses and you there are some good deals around. We think it’s a no-brainer.
We…
Aimee: I switched using U-Switch and it took less than 5 minutes!
Sonia: I thought it was going to be a long pallaver and kept putting it off, till Aimee told me off saying it took minutes. I switched in the coffee queue. Yes.
“Press Green For Go
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Special thanks to Kelly Norris, Carly Povey and TJ for their help with the research.
Photo by Tim Foster.