Make the switch to greener energy!
14 Sep 2003
Electricity consumers can now make an informed switch to a more environmentally friendly electricity company, with the release of the 2nd annual Green Electricity Watch scorecard. Australian Inland Energy and Origin Energy topped the green list, but there were disappointing results from some of the nation's largest retailers.
All 14 electricity retailers in Australia were surveyed for the scorecard and 13 agreed to take part. The questions were designed to gauge:
- their energy efficiency programs
- their support for policies to reduce greenhouse pollution
- the Green Power products they offer
Anna Reynolds of WWF-Australia said, "Australian consumers are more aware than ever before of the impact their choices have on the environment. But it's often difficult for them to get all the information they need to make informed choices. Green Electricity Watch provides the consumer with the best information they need to make informed choices about their electricity provider."
Frances MacGuire of Greenpeace said, "The reality of climate change means that we have to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas by investing in clean, renewable energy like solar and wind and in energy efficiency. Those companies that seize these opportunities will be the success stories of the 21st century as consumers vote with their feet."
The leading companies showed a strong commitment to responsible environmental policy, along with actual investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency. They also offer Green Power products which exceed the accreditation requirements. Most companies, however, did not reach this threshold.
Jeff Angel of the Total Environment Centre said, "In this era of green marketing it is essential that consumers have credible advice about products to prevent weak or fake green products from gaining a stranglehold. The scorecard will help consumers who can make the switch to more environmentally friendly electricity companies and products. Where that switch is not possible, as in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, we encourage consumers to use the scorecard to encourage their retailers to improve their environmental performance."
Full details of the survey are available at www.electricitywatch.org
