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Clean, green, climate-friendly electricity....Tom Scott from Falmouth is buying green electricity to help tackle climate change. Why they are doing things to help the climate.... Tom recognises that climate change is a big problem that will affect him and everyone else in Cornwall. He feels that to tackle it everyone in society needs to be part of the solution including individuals, communities, business and local and national government. Although Tom knows climate change is a big problem, he felt that as an individual he should do something, in the knowledge that if other people take the same attitude we can really make a big difference. What they are doing.... Tom has switched his home electricity Why it’s important….. In the UK, about two-thirds of our electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. Whenever these are burnt they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the main gas responsible for climate change. The other third of electricity mainly comes from nuclear power, which has other serious environmental impacts. By contrast, electricity from renewable energy sources does not have these impacts. Climate change is a serious issue that will touch all aspects of our lives in Cornwall, but it is not too late to do something about it. Every tonne of carbon dioxide we stop being emitted reduces the threat of climate change. By using green electricity in your home or business you can easily help to tackle climate change, as it ensures that the electricity you use does not add to the problem. Further information.... Tom changed his supplier through Cornwall Switch. This company provides details on a range of green electricity suppliers and has recommendations. You can visit their site to compare prices from different suppliers and find out more about why it is important. The good thing about Cornwall Switch is that by using them to change suppliers you are also helping to raise money for three good causes – Oxfam, WaterAid and the Cornwall Green Communities Fund. For more detailed information on renewable energy and tariffs for business and domestic customers, visit the Green Electricity Market Place. Many companies offer to supply green electricity and there tend to be two sorts of options available:
It is important to know that electricity suppliers in the UK are obliged by law to produce a certain amount of their electricity from renewable sources. This means that in some cases if you switch to a green tariff it may not actually result in any additional renewable energy being generated (because the suppliers already have to produce this by law). The best option for the climate is therefore to try and support a supplier that is actually committed to bringing more renewable energy projects on stream, as these help to increase the UK’s renewable energy capacity. The Cornwall Switch website recommends four suppliers that are committed to developing extra capacity, including Ecotricity, Good Energy, Green Energy and Juice. Switching to a green supplier is an easy way to make use of renewable energy, but it is also possible to generate energy at a small scale in your own home. You can find out about different sources of renewable energy and grants from the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership. Their website has an introduction to different renewable technologies, grants to support installations and a list of local installers who can help you, find out more from this link.
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OptionsThis StoryListen again to this story.... Related Stories17. Climate change will affect us all Related LinksUnderstanding Climate Change Cornwall Switch Green Electricity Market Place Renewable Energy
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supply to a company that provides electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind, sun and water. These sources of energy do not run out or contribute to climate change. This is a simple thing that any householder or business can do. It doesn’t involve any rewiring or changing your existing electricity meter, as the power you use still comes through the national grid, just as before. There are many companies offering green electricity in the UK and switching doesn’t mean you will have to pay more for your electricity.