The Renewable Energy Affinity Scheme
The Green Energy Scheme
Most electricity in this country is produced from coal and gas, with a smaller proportion from nuclear sources.There are a number of green energy companies. Some produce electricity from 100% renewable sources, such as wind, sun and small-scale water power schemes. Others have a special green tariff, which is invested in developing green schemes further. A few, like Scottish Power, use large-scale hydro-electric schemes (which have effects on the environment) as one of their means of production.
Changing to a green electricity supplier
Swindon Churches Together has entered an Affinity Scheme with Good Energy. Good Energy produces its electricity from 100% renewable sources.
This is an opportunity for the churches to buy electricity produced in a way that does not damage the environment. It will help to increase the amount of renewable electricity generated nationally, and so help to reduce global warming. Currently, most electricity is produced by burning coal, gas and oil, which are causing pollution and heating up the planet. Climate change is already causing great hardship in the poorest parts of the world.
How does it work?
The new company provides the electricity like any other electricity supplier. However they generate it from sources such as solar power (PV panels), wind, water (small-scale hydro-electric projects), and other renewables. A church that wants to join rings up Good Energy and asks to change supplier. If they quote Swindon Churches Together, Good Energy pays us an introduction fee. This means we have an additional pot of money available for use in Swindon Churches Together.
Will it cost more?
Possibly. Bath Road Methodist Church has already changed. It had a bill of about £1000 a year for electricity, and it has increased by about £20. Domestic users have also found it may cost £20 a year more. However this is a very small amount when we consider the seriousness of climate change and the destruction of the environment.
Do we need any special equipment?
No. Changing to Good Energy is as simple as changing to any other supplier. You apply to them and they notify your previous supplier, who will send you a final bill. The supply switches over to Good Energy on an agreed day. There will be no break in electricity supply.
Can we run out of electricity? Will there be power cuts?
No - or only if the entire national electricity supply collapses! All the electricity generated in the country goes into the national grid. Good Energy guarantees that every unit of electricity supplied to you will be matched by an identical amount from renewable sources. They also promise that they will not take on new customers without being able to obtain an equivalent amount of 100% renewable electricity.
Don't other firms provide green energy?
Some do have a green energy tariff you can buy into for a small additional amount, but they do not produce all of their electricity by environmentally acceptable means. There are other 100% renewable energy companies you may want to consider. This one seems to offer a good deal.
Who can join?
1. A church or church hall. By naming Swindon Churches Together, the company will pay us between £60 and £120 depending on the kind of meter you have.
2. A domestic user. By naming us the company will pay £20 to Swindon Churches Together.
3. A producer of energy. This could be a church with photovoltaic panels or a domestic user with an old water mill that can be adapted for example. Good Energy will pay a reasonable rate for the all of the electricity that you generate on site.
Who benefits?
Everyone. Good Energy gets more customers. Swindon Churches Together gets the money. Both get the publicity. A domestic user gets a free bottle of wine. The environment is the best winner, because we damage it less.
What's the hitch?
None so far we know of. We have checked the contract with Good Energy. Should any difficulties arise, Swindon Churches Together will take them up.
What do you do with the Churches' money?
At present it?s going into a general 'pot' for use as decided by the Ecumenical Council. As yet we don't know how many churches and domestic users will buy in or how big the 'pot' will be.
Has this been tried before?
Yes. TearFund has an affinity scheme similar to this one. Newcastle churches are also going down the green tariff route, jointly with their Borough Council.
We want to know more
Contact: www.good-energy.co.uk/swindonchurches
And finally
As Christians we are stewards of the environment. Many of us are parents who want a future for our children. At present climate change is on the brink of getting out of control. We have to find simpler, cleaner ways to live. This is an opportunity for the churches to take a lead.
For further information contact:
If you want to get a quote for switching to Good Energy, ring them and have your bill ready. They give you an online estimate of the cost of moving to 100% renewable electricity. Their number is: 0845 456 1640. Please quote Swindon Churches Together, so we get the benefit. www.good-energy.co.uk/swindonchurches