Sustainability: How to Switch to a Green Energy Supply

With rising awareness of climate responsibilities, shifting customer expectations and growing pressure to reduce emissions, choosing a renewable energy supplier has become both a strategic and ethical decision. Switching to a green tariff not only helps businesses reduce their environmental impact but it can also enhance brand reputation and provide long‑term cost stability.

How Green Energy is Defined

A mechanism called REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) is used to identify and account for the generation of green energy. A Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin is an electricity tariff where the supplier proves that the energy you pay for has been matched with electricity generated from renewable sources. The REGO scheme provides transparency to consumers about the proportion of electricity that suppliers source from renewable electricity.

For every 1 MWh (mega-watt hour) of renewable electricity produced, a REGO certificate is issued. Suppliers buy and retire these certificates to demonstrate the electricity used by green‑tariff customers is backed by renewable generation. As all electricity generated is mixed once it's on the grid, REGOs act as a tracking and accounting tool, proving the source of green electricity rather than necessarily delivering pure green energy to your premises.

How a Florist Business Owner Can Switch to a REGO‑Backed Tariff

Switching is simple and similar to changing any business energy tariff.

1. Check Which Suppliers Offer Genuine Green Tariffs

Most UK suppliers offer tariffs backed by REGO certificates. Look for providers that:

• Disclose their fuel mix publicly (a requirement under Fuel Mix Disclosure rules).

• Clearly state their tariffs are backed by 100% renewable REGOs.

You can compare tariffs through business energy comparison sites or directly with suppliers.

2. Review the Suppliers' Green Credentials

Some tariffs have been criticised for “greenwashing,” so it’s worth checking:

• If the supplier buys sufficient REGOs to match their tariff claims.

• Whether they provide clear Fuel Mix Disclosure details.

• If they invest in actually generating renewable energy, not just certificates.

Using REGOs responsibly involves checking supplier disclosures and credible third‑party accreditations.

3. Get a Quote Based on Your Businesses Energy Usage

As a small business, you’ll typically need:

• Your current meter readings.

• Your MPAN (meter point administration number) found on your bill.

• Details from your existing contract.

Suppliers then estimate your annual consumption and offer a tariff backed by the equivalent number of REGO certificates.

4. Switch Through Your Chosen Supplier or Broker

Once you accept the quote:

• Your new supplier handles the switch.

• There is no interruption to supply as since electricity is delivered through the same network grid.

• The supplier retires REGOs matching your consumption so you can claim renewable sourcing.

5. Receive Proof of Renewable Sourcing

Your new supplier will include:

• Renewable percentage in your tariff.

• Fuel mix disclosures.

• Confirmation that your tariff is backed by REGOs.

This can help your business demonstrate energy sustainability, useful for marketing and building customer trust.

Summary

Step	What You Do
1. Choose green supplier	Compare suppliers offering REGO‑backed tariffs
2. Verify credibility	Check fuel mix and ensure no greenwashing
3. Request quote	Provide meter info and usage
4. Switch supplier	They handle the process; no disruption
5. Get documentation	Keep REGO‑backed proof for your business

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