The scheme will have a ‘green energy certified’ label to help customers recognise tariffs certified under the scheme.

The certification scheme, which is launched today (February 9) will run under energy regulator Ofgem’s Green Supply Guidelines, published last year.

To join the scheme suppliers will have to demonstrate to an independent panel of experts how their tariffs result in a reduction of a minimum threshold of carbon dioxide emissions.

Crucially suppliers must also show the activity associated with the green tariff is in addition to what they already have to do to meet existing Government targets for sourcing more renewable electricity and reducing household carbon emissions.

The independent panel will be chaired by Solitaire Townsend, a leading sustainable development expert.

She said: “My foremost priority is consumer trust, only 2% of Britons currently buy green energy, but I hope that a trustworthy label will convince many more to go green.

“To rebuild confidence in green energy our independence must mean just that; the panel decisions will be based on evidence not marketing. As a communications expert myself, I’m practised in spotting the difference.”

One of the first energy providers to be accredited is Good Energy, a business claiming to be the UK’s only dedicated 100% renewable electricity supplier.

Founder and chief executive of Good Energy, Juliet Davenport, said: “Greater clarity for green electricity is something we’ve campaigned for many years.

“We’re delighted the new guidelines support the model of 100% renewable electricity that we’ve always operated and hope that others will be encouraged to follow suit.

“Consumers want to know they are making a genuine difference to climate change and thanks to the green energy scheme announced today they can now be assured of it.”

Luke Walsh

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