Shell buys Powershop: Here are 3 green energy retailers not owned by fuel giants
Would you still consider Powershop a green energy provider?
Existing Powershop customers might be dismayed by Shell buying out Powershop even if the acquisition won't likely be completed until the first half of 2022.
That's because the move poses an interesting ethical question.
Does it matter if it's owned by Shell, a major fossil fuel company, even if it continues selling 100% renewable energy?
In its press release, Shell's Executive Vice President of Renewables and Energy Solutions, Elisabeth Brinton, says this move gives the company the option to help Aussies access clean and simple energy plans.
"Shell's presence across the entirety of our changing energy system means we are well-placed to manage complexity for customers so that we deliver simple, cleaner energy solutions."
If you're one of the 185,000 Powershop customers second-guessing their relationship with Powershop, you can switch providers within 2 days of giving notice as per new rules.
Green energy retailers that aren't Powershop
Fortunately, there are a few electricity providers in Australia that share your commitment to green energy. Here are some providers you can consider switching to.
Energy Locals
Interesting day for many Powershop customers. Energy Locals is proudly majority owned by Quinbrook, which invests super fund money solely in renewable energy investments in both Australia and beyond ⚡️💚
— Energy Locals (@energylocals) November 22, 2021
Energy Locals is an environmentally-friendly energy provider that allows you to offset your carbon emissions 100% at no extra cost to you.
Its focus on sustainability and promoting renewable energy is why it won the 2021 Finder Green Awards for Green Energy Retailer of the Year.
Signing up with Energy Locals also means:
- Paying a fixed monthly membership fee to access fixed power rates based on wholesale electricity prices
- Getting 6 months' worth of membership fees refunded when you stay connected for 6 months
- Not having to worry about lock-in contracts or exit fees
- Having access to its Australia-based customer support
You can get a quote or read our review before signing up.
Diamond Energy
Diamond Energy, a relatively small retailer, is only 1 of 2 providers in Australia to have received a 5-star rating from the Green Electricity Guide.
Signing up with Diamond Energy means:
- Getting access to ongoing discounts on your energy bills: 7% off when you pay on time and 3% off when you pay with direct debit
- Not having to worry about lock-in contracts or exit fees
- Having access to an Australia-based support team
- Accessing its Thrive rewards program to get rewarded for being a loyal customer
You can read our full review for more information.
Amber Electric
Amber Electric allows you to access 100% GreenPower plans, carbon-neutral energy, and wholesale solar power feed-in tariff prices.
Signing up with Amber Electric means:
- Paying a $15 monthly subscription fee to buy power directly from the grid at wholesale prices
- Having access to an online portal where customers can manage and monitor their usage and bills.
You can read our full review for more information.
Alternatively, you could opt for GreenPower instead
If none of the companies above meet your needs, you can switch to an energy provider that offers a GreenPower add-on.
You usually get to choose between 10% and 100% GreenPower at a small additional cost.
For example, if you decide to add on 100% GreenPower, your energy company will send renewable energy that is equivalent of your full energy usage back to the grid.
Origin Energy, for instance, gives you 25% GreenPower for free on some of its plans. Adding 100% GreenPower could cost you approximately $35 per quarter.
For more options to compare, head to Energy Finder™ and use the filters to find the right green energy plan for your household.
