Our energy sources

Have we achieved our pledge?

We achieved our low carbon pledge emphatically. In fact, 100% of the electricity provided to our customers in the year ending March 2012 was sourced from renewable generators such as wind, hydro and biomass:

We are committed to building an electricity portfolio composed of fuel sources other than coal and oil. We will aim for three times the national average of renewable energy. We may sometimes have to source from nuclear power stations if necessary. That might seem like a controversial choice, because the safety of nuclear power and disposal of radioactive waste remain a concern for many, but nuclear energy is predictable and relatively low carbon.

Our view is that we need a range of solutions and technologies to reduce our carbon emissions and increase our energy security. There is no single solution.

What about gas?

Whereas we have choices over how electricity is generated, gas is a finite natural resource with a similar carbon content, whatever its origin. So, unlike electricity, carbon emissions from our gas are not affected by our purchasing choices.

About 70% of UK gas comes from domestic sources, principally the North Sea. The majority of the remainder comes from Scandinavian sources and continental Europe, with a small but increasing amount (about 7.5%) coming from Liquefied Natural Gas imported from North Africa, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Reducing carbon emissions

Co-operative Energy is committed to tackling climate change. We do this in four ways:

1. We are sourcing more of our electricity from low carbon generators, including renewable energy generators like wind and hydro. We aim for the carbon content of our electricity to be less than half the national average. This is our low carbon pledge.
2. We invest in new renewable generating capacity
3. We adopt energy-efficient practices throughout our trading group
4. We help you save energy and give you lots of tips on how to lead a lower carbon life