Survey

Please fill in our survey to give your feedback on our policy pages. Your responses will help us continue to improve how we present policy research and data on our website.

Citizens Advice response to the BEIS Designing a Framework for Transparency of Carbon Content in Energy Products call for evidence

Citizens Advice response to the BEIS Designing a Framework for Transparency of Carbon Content in Energy Products call for evidence 263 KB

Consumer demand for green products and services is growing. Our own research shows that in Q2 2021, of those consumers who had switched suppliers, the fact that a new supplier offered green energy was the main reason for 18% of consumers switching.This proportion has doubled from when the research began in 2019. 

Our research on the future energy market and net zero has also consistently highlighted consumers’ willingness to make the transition to low-carbon technologies and green products, with nearly 80% backing the net zero target, but that they require clear information to enable them to make informed choices. 

We think the current framework for explaining the environmental impact of tariffs to consumers falls short of that needed transparency. For example, research from Which? In 2019 showed a concerning variety of consumer understanding of what constitutes a green tariff. 

In that context, we welcome the intent behind the call for evidence to work towards a framework to improve transparency of carbon content in energy products. We urge BEIS to consider changes that: 

  • improve the direct link between a consumer's tariff and how their electricity is generated; 

  • improve transparency in this complex area of the market; 

  • give consumers confidence that, where they are opting for a green tariff, they are genuinely supporting additional new low-carbon power.