How genuine is “Green energy” ?
Published 1 year, 6 months ago in My life.Yesterday our household signed up with Victoria Electricity for our electricity supply after a door-knocking rep from the company claimed that they offer 100% green energy. We were told that we’d be saving the planet approx5-7 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
But I wonder whether these claims are genuine and if they’re possible to verify. Is there any central body that monitors these companies and their claims to help keep the system honest and fair for the well-meaning consumer?
In the brochure, the information claims that 10% of the energy comes from accredited green sources whilst the other 90% is from non-accredited sources. Does this mean that we can’t be certain that the 90% of energy is actually green because it has not been accredited or is it actually green despite failing accreditation for whatever reason??
Just wondering…
8 Responses to “How genuine is "Green energy" ?”
- 1 Trackback on Apr 19th, 2007 at 5:04 am
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100% green energy IS a big claim that I would doubt is true since the MAJORITY of electricity generated in this state is as a result of brown/black coal burning. And unless there is a label on those electrons saying ‘Hi, I’m Green’ I think someone is stretching the truth perhaps.
envirogirl,
Here is a link to ‘green energy, the story’ from the ABC science network. It helps explain the theory behind green energy.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/slab/grnpower/story.htm
May or may not be of use.
A number of suppliers offer Green Energy but unfortunately they are not all up to standard. There are a variety of types of green energy and percentages that you can purchase with varying costs associated.
If you look at the Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria website www.sustainability.vic.gov.au you will find that they recommend you chose a supplier that has the Greeen Power Accreditation Logo, this means that they are monitored and audited by an independent authority.
Another good site is Green Energy Watch www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au which is sponsored by WWF, Australian Conservation Foundation & Total environment Centre. They go a step further and rate the suppliers based on their performance and compliance.
Unfortunately Victoria Electricity and Red Earth are rated very poorly.
This doesn’t suprise me as I too have had reps from these companies come to my door and only yesterday were discussing their dubious selling techniques with some work collegues, so I don’t know if you where pressured into signing with them, but if you are dissatisfied perhaps you can take steps to cancel the contract.
I spent some time resarching Green energy suppliers before deciding on Origin Wind. Which I’ve had for about 2years now without noticing any major increase my costs.
Thanks guys! These are all very useful comments and links.
I agree, Viva, about the dubious selling techniques. When the rep visited, I said that I would need some time to think it over and asked for a brochure to help me in making an informed decision. But the rep said that she had no such info to give out and that the only way to join was through her (the rep) then and there and that I wouldn’t be able to contact the company in any other way at a later stage.
However, after we signed the contract, I was given an info pack that contained a brochure and other info (including terms and conditions,etc) and there was even a telephone number to contact Vic Energy. So, yeah, I did feel cheated and pressured into making such a rushed (and ill-informed) decision about joining.
Now I might just take advantage of the 10 day cooling off period and cancel- if for no other reason than that they were deceptive in their selling strategies.
good on you envirogirl. i think you’re right to cancel on principle. i’ve had various reps knock on my door and i just politely say no and close the door before they can start their speil.
i really think we are being taken advantage of. someone can always make money by reading the public mood and right now its all about the changing environment. that is a good thing that people have started to think about it but like i say some people can always see a way of cashing in.
hi envirogirl. did you here the ABC 774 this morning? they discussed this business of energy companies sending out reps pressuring people by making them feel guilty and not giving them any brochures or information until after they sign up. this topic is going to continue for some time.
Guilt is a great motivator, ask your parents. I hope you have managed to give them the flick completely, and find a honest company seems to be more trustworthy.