Did you know ...?
1. the term "green electricity" is not protected in Germany.
2 Not all green electricity tariffs advance the energy transition!
3. the legal regulation favors greenwashing of green electricity.
4. the more people purchase certified green power, the greener the power supply becomes.
5. the Grüner Strom-Label promotes investment in new facilities.
Most Germans are in favor of generating electricity through renewable energies and expanding them for a clean energy future. The right path seems within reach: green electricity. With over 900 tariffs, there is plenty of choice in any case. The problem is that almost every energy provider nowadays offers supposed green electricity and lures consumers with low prices.
Green washed instead of really green
Often, however, there is no "eco" behind the tariffs. You may be lucky if the electricity actually comes from renewable energy plants, but it is usually not verifiable. It gets curious when you find out that the electricity may even be purchased cheaply from nuclear or coal-fired power plants.
How is it even possible that the money of green electricity customers goes to nuclear and coal-fired power plants? The legal situation in Germany makes it possible, because the term green electricity is not protected. The only legal requirement is that certificates of origin must be obtained from the Federal Environment Agency for the amount of green electricity that is sold. With these certificates, people simply buy the "green" attribute in addition to their electricity - regardless of where it comes from. However, there are no criteria for the actual purchase of green electricity. This is because the ideal idea that with a green electricity tariff the amount of electricity that is consumed is purchased from a wind, solar or hydroelectric power plant can be circumvented in this way.
In Germany applies: Guarantee of origin + any amount of electricity = green electricity | However, it should be: Guarantee of origin + amount of electricity (from the same renewable energy plant) = green electricity |
This is what makes independent certification of green power so important
With Grüner Strom-Label, it is mandatory to link the purchase of the guarantee of origin to the amount of electricity purchased from this wind, solar or hydroelectric power plant. The most important core idea of the seal of quality is to further promote the expansion of renewable energies. To achieve this, all energy suppliers offering a Green Electricity-certified green electricity tariff are obliged to invest a fixed subsidy amount in new energy transition projects for every kilowatt hour sold. This is important to ensure that the power supply in Germany becomes greener and does not stagnate at its current level. Through the Grüner Strom-Label, over 55 million euros have already flowed into more than 1,300 projects.
And quite honestly, that's what you imagine a green electricity tariff to be. You can find more arguments why careful selection of (green) electricity tariffs is so important on our homepage at Obtain green electricity. Further questions can be answered in our FAQ or directly from our office be answered.
To avoid any nasty surprises, look out for the Grüner Strom-Label when choosing your electricity tariff. The only green electricity seal supported by leading environmental associations such as BUND, NABU and DNR provides transparent help in choosing a genuine green electricity tariff. For greener holidays and a sustainable new year.
Switching electricity providers is so easy:
Step 1: Obtain information about suitable green electricity tariffs.
Attention: Just because it says eco, does not mean it is eco! Look specifically for tariffs with a meaningful seal of approval such as the Green Electricity Label of the environmental associations.
Step 2: Select new provider and conclude contract online or by phone.
Ask your electricity provider about green electricity with Grüner Strom-Label. If you are satisfied with your provider, you do not necessarily have to change. Otherwise, the new energy provider will usually take care of terminating your contract with your old provider. And if something goes wrong with the switch, it only produces unnecessary paperwork. The electricity continues to flow! Your local power supplier is legally obligated to do this. Necessary information for the switch: address, current provider, meter number, meter reading
Step 3: Sit back and relax.
You can now be sure: Your electricity is guaranteed green electricity and you additionally contribute to the further expansion of renewable energy plants and a sustainable energy transition for future generations
