Key Points
Certification: Ensure that any green energy you purchase is certified to guarantee its legitimacy.
Choice: Many retailers provide access to green energy. When moving, it’s an ideal time to secure the best tariff.
Ease of Access: Numerous retailers allow easy access to green energy simply by checking a box. It may cost a bit more, but it’s a straightforward way to contribute to sustainability.
Information: The state government offers a website that helps you find retailers offering green power and the best tariffs.
What is certification and how can it be verified?
The Victorian State Government defines Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) as electronic certificates generated through the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. These certificates are issued when specific energy efficiency activities are performed in residential or non-residential buildings. Each VEEC represents a reduction of one tonne of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2-e). Once created, VEECs are acquired by energy retailers who must surrender a certain number of these certificates annually to meet their program obligations. For complete details, please refer to the official information. here.
Retailers participate in the GreenPower program as members. You can find a list of GreenPower program members here
Green energy prices can differ among retailers. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase a portion of Green energy instead of covering your entire bill. Below are some examples of available options..
Choosing the right retailer and plan
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Check Your Current Retailer: Your existing retailer might offer green energy at a competitive price. Simply log in to their website or use their app. It should be straightforward to identify which plans include green energy. Most plans also offer a carbon-neutral option.
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Find a New Retailer Online: Visit the State government’s online energy comparison website. By answering a few questions, you’ll receive a list of retailers and tariffs that are worth considering. https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/
Does green energy help?
Absolutely! Green energy benefits the environment by ensuring that you use only sustainable energy sources. Every contribution counts.
More and more GenTailers (Companies that are both Electricicty Generators and Retailers) and moving to become renewable energy only suppliuers. This is in response to communit demands and the cheaper cost that renewables provide.
A good example of a GenTailer that only uses renewable energy is FlowPower.
Reviewing and updating every 1-2 years
Most retailers will lock in your current tariff for a period of 1 to 2 years. After this period, you will be switched to the default government-designated rate, which often leads to higher bills or green energy opt out.
To avoid this, you should be prepared to reassess and change your tariff, even going back to your original one if it’s still favorable, or switching to another retailer if necessary to keep your bills down.
FAQ
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More information here on the Victorian Government Solar website here