Should You Choose a Green Energy Tariff Or Standard Energy?

December 3rd, 2025
Should You Choose a Green Energy Tariff Or Standard Energy?

In 2025, green energy tariffs are common and not expensive like before. Many homes in the UK now pick these energy tariffs. Over half of the UK’s electricity comes from clean sources. The government has set new rules to help clean power grow. A lot of people wonder if it is a good idea to change from a standard variable tariff to a green deal.

Some people still feel unsure about the cost and reliability. But these days, renewable electricity is often as cheap, or even cheaper than the Ofgem energy price cap. If you know the way green tariffs work and what they really offer, you can pick a plan that is good for your home. It helps when you also compare energy prices with the right tool, like using compare energy prices. This way, it is easier to see which options are best for you.

What Is a Green Energy Tariff and How Does It Work?

A green energy tariff is when your energy company makes sure that the electricity you use comes from renewable energy like wind, solar, or water power. The electricity goes to you through the national grid. Your supplier then buys renewable energy or REGOs to match what you use.

This system helps the energy market grow. It offers money so there can be more renewable energy. The goal is to create clean power and cut down on the use of fossil fuel.

Type of Tariff What It Means Energy Source
Genuine Green Tariff Supplier invests directly in renewable generation Wind, solar, hydro
REGO-Backed Tariff Supplier buys Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin certificates May still use fossil fuel energy
Mixed or Hybrid Tariff Combination of renewable and standard electricity Lower renewable share

Green energy tariffs do not mean the power you use at home is only from wind or solar. Instead, they help your provider put money into clean energy through the whole energy supply. This is the way energy tariffs help bring in more green power for us all.

Learn how renewable energy matching works

How Much Do Green Energy Tariffs Cost in 2025?

In 2025, the cost for green energy tariffs is lower than what it used to be. There are two main reasons for this. The wholesale energy prices went down and the government made some rule changes. The energy price cap, set by Ofgem, for October to December 2025 is £1,755 per year. This price is for the average home using direct debit to pay for gas and electricity. Now, you can find that many green energy tariffs cost this much, or sometimes less.

Tariff Type Typical Annual Cost (2025) Difference vs. Cap Notes
Standard Variable Tariff £1,755 Baseline Capped by Ofgem
Fixed Rate Tariff £1,700–£1,740 2–3% lower Predictable bills
Green Tariff (REGO-backed) £1,740–£1,755 Same as cap Varies by supplier
Green Tariff (Direct Renewable) £1,650–£1,730 Up to 6% lower Supports new renewable projects

These numbers are based on the average yearly energy usage in a home. A home usually uses about 2,700 kWh of electricity and 11,500 kWh of gas each year. What you pay may not be the same. The cost depends on your unit rates and standing charges. It may also change because of your payment method, the kind of meter you have, and other individual circumstances. These things all make a difference in how much you get charged for your energy usage.

Compare green tariffs at today’s unit rates

Why Green Energy Is Now More Affordable Than Before

The gap between green electricity tariffs and standard electricity tariffs has become much smaller now. This is because the energy market has changed in several ways.

  • Wholesale energy prices have gone down. They became steady after the energy crisis in 2022.
  • A vast majority of energy companies now use renewable sources in their standard tariffs.
  • New plans from the government, like GB Energy, are putting money into clean power.
  • Standing charges and unit rates are now controlled by the Ofgem price cap. This means there are fewer extra fees from energy suppliers.

For many homes, picking a green tariff is not something only premium buyers do now. It’s a great way to get a fair price and still help the environment.

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How Does the Energy Price Cap Affect Green Tariffs?

The energy price cap is a rule that sets the highest price an energy supplier can charge people on a standard variable tariff. This cap covers how much you pay for each unit, or kWh, of electricity or gas, as well as the daily standing charges.

The energy price cap does not put a limit on the total amount of your energy bill. What you pay in the end will depend on how much energy you use.

From October to December 2025, the cap is:

Fuel Type Unit Rate (per kWh) Standing Charge (per day)
Electricity 26.35p 60.1p
Gas 6.5p 31.8p

Many of the energy tariffs that focus on renewable energy have prices that are kept low. This lets you back green energy, but you do not have to pay extra compared to what you would pay for a normal energy tariff.

What Are the Main Benefits of Green Energy Tariffs?

Choosing a green energy tariff is the best way to help the environment and your money. Many UK homes now use this to cut down on carbon. It can also help keep energy bills steady.

Benefit Explanation
Lower Carbon Footprint Renewable electricity helps reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Competitive Prices Many tariffs now match or beat the Ofgem price cap.
Support for UK Renewables Your energy supplier funds clean power generation projects.
Predictable Costs Fixed rate tariffs provide stability against market changes.
Better Use of Smart Meters Smart meters help track energy usage and optimise time-of-use tariffs.

Households that use electric vehicles, storage heaters, or are able to change how they use energy can save more money. If you use energy during hours when other people are not, and when there is a lot of renewable energy on the grid, the cost can be lower.

What Are the Drawbacks of Green Energy Tariffs?

While green tariffs might be a good idea for many homes, there are still a few things you need to think about before you switch.

Drawback Why It Matters
Greenwashing Risk Some tariffs only use REGOs without real renewable investment.
Limited Choice for Prepayment Meters Fewer green tariff options for prepayment customers.
Exit Fees on Fixed Tariffs Some deals charge £25–£50 if you leave early.
Complex Tariff Structures Time-of-use or variable tariffs can be harder to manage.

Always read the small print. Be sure to look at how open your supplier is before you choose a green tariff.

How to Verify if a Green Tariff Is Genuine

To find out if your energy deal really helps with renewable electricity, you need to check these three key things:

  1. REGO Certification: The supplier must give Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin. This makes sure that for each unit of energy you use, the same amount of renewable energy is made somewhere else.
  2. Supplier Investment: You need to find suppliers who put in money to build new renewable energy places. This could be things like wind farms or solar farms.
  3. Transparency Reports: Good suppliers share reports each year. They tell people about what type of fuel they use and their work with renewable energy in these reports.
Verification Step What to Check Why It Matters
REGO certificates Issued by Ofgem Confirms renewable sourcing
Supplier investments Funding in UK renewables Ensures real impact
Fuel mix disclosure Shown on bills or website Verifies carbon footprint

Check if your current supplier offers REGO-backed green energy

How to Verify if a Green Tariff Is
      Genuine

How Smart Meters and Technology Support Green Tariffs

A smart meter shows you real-time information about the electricity you use in your home. It sends your usage readings to your energy company by itself. This can help households:

  • Keep track of how much energy each device or appliance uses.
  • Use time-of-use tariffs that give rewards if you use less energy during busy hours.
  • Get better quotes when you compare energy prices.

Smart meters help the national grid match how much power people need and how much is made. This matters more today, as we use more renewable energy. Now, the UK has over 33 million homes using smart meters. In the future, we will see tariffs that use smart data more and more.

Green Energy and Government Policy in 2025

The UK government now mainly pays attention to rules about renewable electricity.

  • 54.5% of UK electricity is now made from renewable sources in the second quarter of 2025.
  • The target to reach net zero by 2050 keeps moving more money into renewable energy.
  • GB Energy was set up in 2025. It puts money into solar and wind projects all over the UK.
  • The UK stopped bans on onshore wind. Now there is more local power from renewables.
  • The UK has put higher windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies. This money helps pay for green projects.

These steps help make renewable energy the main choice for the future. They also help lower energy costs for homes over time.

Is It Worth Switching to a Green Tariff Now?

Switching to a green tariff is a great way to support renewable energy. When you change energy supply, you can get a fair price with the new supplier. The energy switch guarantee means that your energy supply will not stop. Your new supplier talks to your old supplier and does all the work for you.

If you’re moving to a new home, you can still compare energy prices and choose a renewable deal right away, helping you avoid being placed on the most expensive tariffs.

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Green Energy Tariffs vs Standard Tariffs — Quick Comparison

Feature Standard Variable Tariff Green Tariff
Average Cost (2025) £1,755/year £1,700–£1,755/year
Environmental Impact High carbon Low carbon
Payment Method Direct debit, prepayment, credit meter Direct debit or smart meter
Exit Fees £0–£50 £0–£50
Tariff Type Variable or fixed Fixed or time-of-use
Transparency Clear pricing Must check REGO data
Support for Renewables None Yes, via investment or REGOs

FAQs About Green Energy Tariffs in 2025

What is the average cost of a green energy tariff in 2025?

Most people who live in a home with both gas and electricity pay between £1,700 and £1,755 each year for green tariffs. There are some deals that cost less than the Ofgem energy price cap.

Do green tariffs help reduce climate change?

Yes. Picking renewable electricity can help bring down carbon emissions. It can also help give support to putting money into clean energy. This way, the UK can get closer to hitting its net zero goal by the year 2050.

How can I tell if a green tariff is genuine?

You need to see if the supplier uses REGO certificates. You should also check if they put money into renewable energy. A good supplier gives out information on where they get fuel. They will show their reports on how they help the planet.

Can I get a green tariff if I use a prepayment meter?

Yes, there are a few choices, but not as many as there used to be. Some companies now offer smart prepayment meters. With these meters, it is possible to pick green tariffs and do your top-ups online.

What’s the best way to switch to a new supplier?

Use an energy comparison site that is listed under the Ofgem Confidence Code. When you pick a new energy supplier, they will handle the switch for you. This is part of the energy switch guarantee.

Do green tariffs include exit fees?

Some fixed rate plans can charge exit fees if you leave early. This is often between £25 and £50. Variable rate plans almost never ask you to pay exit fees. This means you get more freedom with your plan when energy prices go up and down.

How do smart meters improve my green tariff savings?

Smart meters let you see your energy usage as soon as you want. You can get lower prices when not many people are using power. This helps make your bill right each time.

Can switching help lower my energy costs long term?

Yes. Green tariffs can have steady prices. The unit rates might stay low over time. This can happen when more renewable energy is used and wholesale energy prices stay even.

Are green tariffs available in Northern Ireland?

Energy markets in Northern Ireland run by themselves. You can find many companies that have options for renewable energy. Before you choose one, make sure you read the eligibility criteria. It is a good idea to see the electricity tariffs for your area too.

How can I calculate how much energy I use each month?

Check your meter readings or read the smart meter display. Take the kWh and multiply it by your unit rates. Most online accounts will guess how much you use and what it will cost you.

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