Ovo Energy shuns coal and nuclear

Ovo said it has spent 12 months working with government, Ofgem and an independent generator to decarbonise its fuel mix through top-up payments to gas generators.

The supplier said it is “determined to find a way to provide low carbon energy whilst still offering the best possible deal for customers.”

Fellow independent supplier Good Energy already offers its customers completely renewable energy.

Ovo said it is the first supplier to voluntarily add a premium to Gas Generator certificates that prove the source of the energy supplied, thereby supporting gas above coal and nuclear and helping to decarbonise the market, while reducing Ovo’s own carbon intensity by 34% on the level last year.

Ovo Energy chief executive Stephen Fitzpatrick said: “I’m delighted that we’ve reduced our carbon footprint by 34 per cent whilst still giving our customers value for money.

“We’re committed to increasing the volume of renewables in our fuel mix and I feel proud to be leading the market in finding smarter ways of doing this.”

Energy secretary Amber Rudd welcomed Ovo’s announcement “Moving from unabated coal to gas is going to be an important part of our transition to a low carbon economy,” she said. 

“Harnessing the power of consumers to push for such a change shows that the energy market can help deliver a lower carbon economy. We welcome companies like OVO innovating in this way.”

Lucinda Dann

This article first appeared in edie’s sister title Utility Week.