Sydney residents and business owners are being encouraged to switch to green energy providers by the City of Sydney to help significantly reduce their emissions. But how easy is the switching process?
In Australia, almost all electricity retailers offer a GreenPower Accredited product that may allow you to opt for between 10% or 100% of your electricity to come from a renewable source.
A new survey by the City of Sydney shows that many residents don’t know that they could easily identify sustainable energy providers through the GreenPower accreditation.
Of those surveyed one third (33%) didn’t know that GreenPower Accreditation existed, with one in ten respondents (11%) not realising what a difference it could make to their emissions.
The survey also found that over half of respondents (57%) believed they would switch if it was the “best thing they could do” for the environment.
Switching to renewable energy can make one of the biggest impacts on your emissions, according to the Green Electricity Guide from Greenpeace, which also states that 76% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels.
Switching to a greener electricity provider could also help transform Australia’s electricity system by “forcing dirty polluting coal out and bringing more renewable energy in”.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “…There’s more to renewable electricity than just putting solar panels on the roof.”
“For households, 46% of residential emissions come from electricity. Making the switch is a simple way to make a big difference.”
“By turning to a GreenPower electricity plan, you can help Australia shift away from fossil fuels and move the City of Sydney local area towards its target of net zero by 2035,” the Lord Mayor said.
How can Australians make the switch?
Just like when you decide to switch mobile phone providers or refinance a loan, choosing to change your energy provider is as simple as comparing your options and doing your research.
And GreenPower has taken some of the hard work out for you through its Find a Provider page. You may compare some of Australia’s energy providers and filter your results via your customer type (residential, small business etc.), your ideal green accreditation level (10-100%, even 200% in some instances) and your state or territory. You will then be shown results that meet your criteria, allowing you to click through to their website to consider signing up.
When you decide to switch energy retailers, your new retailer will organise the process for you. Be sure to compare other factors when considering switching, including fees, like late fees or transaction fees, the estimated plan costs, and the payment methods.
Check list for switching energy providers:
- Decide what kind of new plan you want (more affordable, higher GreenPower accreditation level etc.)
- Compare your options either doing your own research or using GreenPower’s Find a Provider tool
- Check for fees and other hidden costs
- Reach out to the new provider who should initiate the switch process.
