Big six supplier Eon has announced that all of its domestic customers now have an electricity supply matched by renewable sources.
The company is directly supplying a large proportion of this through its own renewable generation fleet, as well as agreements with independent wind generators around the country to directly purchase the electricity produced.
The remaining electricity used by the 3.3 million homes Eon serves is matched with 100 per cent renewable electricity sourced externally through initiatives such as renewable electricity guarantee certificates from the likes of wind, biomass and solar sources.
These certificates guarantee that an equivalent amount of renewable electricity was generated to the amount supplied.
Michael Lewis, chief executive of Eon UK, said: “Climate change is the defining issue of our era, and one that energy customers are increasingly concerned about.
“We believe large-scale action can make significant change possible and we’re committed to playing a leading role and setting an example for others to follow, that’s why we’re providing all of our residential customers with 100 per cent renewable electricity as standard – a change at a scale never seen before in Britain.
“Our announcement is an important first step in a journey towards a more sustainable and personalised energy system, but the future of energy doesn’t stop here.
“The opportunities include helping all of our customers to better manage their energy through smart, personalised and sustainable technologies.”
Eon built its first wind farm on Anglesey in 1992 and was a partner in the UK’s first offshore wind farm – Blyth in Northumberland – in 2000.
Today the company owns more than 20 onshore and offshore wind farms in the UK, as well as biomass plants in Scotland and South Yorkshire.
RenewableUK’s head of external affairs Luke Clark said: “It’s great to see major companies like Eon providing 100 per cent clean power for the huge number of consumers who are choosing renewables as their preferred energy source.
“As well as doing their bit to tackle climate change, it makes economic sense for bill payers too, as wind and solar are the cheapest forms of new power.”
Rik Smith, energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: “The more energy suppliers who offer 100 per cent green electricity, the better for our planet.
“However, clearly the demand for renewable energy tariffs also makes business sense for Eon, which generates around 10 per cent of the UK’s wind power – although they will need to source plenty of renewable electricity elsewhere to supply all 3 million households on their books.”