Green Energy Tariffs UK 2026: Best Renewable Electricity & Gas Deals
Compare 100% renewable electricity, biomethane green gas, solar export and EV time-of-use tariffs from the UK's leading green suppliers. With a confirmed cap jump on 1 July 2026, fixing on a green deal now can save money and lower your carbon footprint at the same time.
What is a Green Energy Tariff?
A green energy tariff is one where your supplier matches some or all of the electricity or gas you use with renewable or low-carbon generation. For electricity, the gold standard is 100% REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin) backing, meaning a certificate is retired for every kilowatt-hour you consume, proving it was generated from wind, solar, hydro or biomass. For gas, truly green options are rarer: biomethane injected directly into the grid is genuinely renewable, while carbon-offset gas balances emissions through verified carbon credits.
Not all green tariffs are equal. Some suppliers retired REGOs they purchased on the open market years in advance, which critics argue does not fund new renewable capacity. The most credible suppliers invest directly in UK renewables or purchase REGOs that match the actual generation mix on a rolling basis. When comparing, check whether the supplier owns renewable assets or has long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with generators.
Types of Green Energy Tariff in 2026
100% Renewable Electricity
REGO-backed electricity from wind, solar and hydro. Available from Octopus Energy, Good Energy, Ecotricity and others. The most common type of green tariff in the UK.
Green Gas / Biomethane
Biomethane produced from food waste, agricultural waste or energy crops, injected into the gas grid. Genuinely low-carbon gas. Rarer and typically commands a small premium over standard gas.
Carbon-Offset Gas
Natural gas use balanced via verified carbon credits (e.g. forestry or methane capture projects). Less desirable than biomethane but widely offered by mainstream suppliers including British Gas, OVO and E.ON Next.
EV & Time-of-Use Tariffs
Tariffs like Octopus Go or E.ON Next Drive pair 100% renewable electricity with cheap overnight rates (typically 7p-9p/kWh from midnight to 05:00) for EV charging. Great for solar households too.
Solar Export (SEG)
The Smart Export Guarantee pays you for surplus solar electricity exported to the grid. Rates range from around 4p to 20p/kWh depending on supplier and tariff. Some green suppliers offer enhanced SEG rates.
Green Business Tariffs
SMEs and larger businesses can access 100% renewable electricity contracts, often with REGOs and ESOS compliance documentation included. Ideal for companies with net-zero commitments or scope 2 reporting requirements.
How the July 2026 Price Cap Affects Green Tariffs
Ofgem confirmed on 27 May 2026 that the price cap for a typical dual-fuel household will rise from £1,641/yr to £1,862/yr from 1 July 2026, an increase of £221 (13%). From that date, standard variable unit rates will be electricity 26.11p/kWh (standing charge 57.19p/day) and gas 7.33p/kWh (standing charge 29.04p/day). Gas bills are expected to rise by around 24% and electricity bills by around 5%.
Approximately 40% of UK homes (around 22 million accounts) are already on fixed-rate deals and will not be affected by the July rise. For the remaining 60% on standard variable tariffs (SVTs), the July cap represents a significant bill increase. Several green fixed tariffs from Octopus, Good Energy and Ecotricity are currently priced in the £1,600-£1,680/yr range for a typical home, which is below the incoming cap. Locking in one of these deals now means:
- Your unit rates are fixed regardless of what the cap does after July.
- You pay a green premium that, at current market rates, is largely offset by the savings versus the cap.
- You get the environmental benefit of a verified renewable supply.
| Scenario | Annual cost (typical home) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current cap (Apr-Jun 2026) | £1,641 | Standard variable tariff, Ofgem TDCV |
| July cap (from 1 Jul 2026) | £1,862 | +£221 (+13%); confirmed 27 May 2026 |
| Illustrative green fixed (Jun 2026) | ~£1,600-£1,680 | 100% renewable electricity, fixed rate |
| Potential saving vs July cap | ~£180-£260/yr | Based on green fix vs new SVT cap |
Figures are illustrative for a typical Ofgem TDCV household (2,700 kWh/yr electricity, 11,500 kWh/yr gas). Your actual savings depend on your usage, location and the specific tariff available to you. Get a personalised quote below.
Compare Green Energy Suppliers (June 2026)
| Supplier | Green electricity | Green gas option | Tariff types | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Energy | 100% REGO-backed | Carbon-offset + biomethane | Fixed, Agile, Go (EV), Intelligent | Smart EV & solar integrations; Agile tracks half-hourly prices |
| Good Energy | 100% UK renewable | 100% UK green gas | Fixed, variable | Directly funds UK wind, solar & hydro generators; strong SEG rates |
| Ecotricity | 100% from own wind & solar | Green gas from own sites | Fixed, variable | UK pioneer; invests profits in new renewables; green gas from grass |
| E.ON Next | 100% REGO-backed | Carbon-neutral offset | Fixed, variable, Drive (EV) | Competitive fixed rates; E.ON Next Drive for EV owners |
| OVO Energy | 100% REGO-backed | Carbon-offset | Fixed, variable | Trees planted for every member; carbon tracking in app |
| British Gas | 100% REGO-backed | Carbon-neutral offset | Fixed, variable | Largest UK supplier; HomeCare boiler cover bundles available |
Find your best green tariff
Enter your details and we will instantly compare green fixed and variable tariffs from across the market. Free, no-obligation, and switching takes around 5 working days under Ofgem's Switch Guarantee.
How to Switch to a Green Energy Tariff
Switching is straightforward. Under Ofgem's Switch Guarantee, the process must complete within five working days and you have a 14-day cooling-off period to change your mind. Here is what to do:
- Gather your details. Have a recent energy bill to hand. You will need your current supplier name, tariff name, and a meter reading or annual usage estimate (typical home: 2,700 kWh electricity, 11,500 kWh gas).
- Compare tariffs. Use the quote tool above to see personalised green tariff prices. Pay attention to the unit rate, standing charge, contract length and exit fees.
- Check the green credentials. Look for 100% REGO-backed electricity and, if green gas matters to you, biomethane rather than carbon offsets.
- Select and confirm your tariff. The new supplier handles the switch. You do not need to contact your current supplier; they are notified automatically.
- Take a meter reading. Submit a meter reading on your switch date to ensure your final bill from your old supplier is accurate.
- Start saving and go greener. Your new tariff begins immediately. If you also have solar panels, ask your new supplier about their Smart Export Guarantee rate.
Tip for June 2026 switchers: The earlier you switch, the more months you will benefit from a rate below the July £1,862 cap. A switch started today completes well before 1 July, protecting you for the full term of any fixed deal you choose.
Solar Panels, Batteries & the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)
If you have solar panels or are considering installing them, the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) means your energy supplier must pay you for every unit of electricity you export to the grid. SEG rates vary significantly by supplier, from around 4p/kWh up to 20p/kWh on the best export tariffs (as of June 2026). Green suppliers including Octopus and Good Energy tend to offer competitive SEG rates.
Pairing solar panels with a home battery (such as a Tesla Powerwall, SolarEdge battery or similar) maximises your green energy use by storing surplus daytime generation for evening use, further reducing reliance on the grid. With electricity unit rates rising to 26.11p/kWh on the standard cap from 1 July 2026, every unit you generate and use yourself avoids that cost entirely.
Typical solar system (4kWp)
- Generates ~3,400 kWh/yr in the UK
- Saves ~£500-£700/yr on electricity bills (June 2026 rates)
- SEG export income: ~£60-£180/yr depending on tariff
- Carbon saving: ~0.7 tonnes CO2e/yr
Adding a home battery
- Typically 5-15 kWh usable capacity
- Increases self-consumption from ~30% to ~70%+
- Payback improved as grid rates rise
- Works with Octopus Intelligent for cheap overnight charging
Green Energy Tariff FAQs
Are green energy tariffs more expensive than standard tariffs?
Not necessarily in 2026. Several green fixed tariffs from Octopus, Good Energy and Ecotricity are priced in the £1,600-£1,680/yr range for a typical household, which is below the confirmed July 2026 Ofgem cap of £1,862/yr. In the current market, choosing a green fixed deal can save money versus staying on a standard variable tariff after 1 July.
What does 100% renewable electricity actually mean?
It means your supplier retires Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) equal to every kilowatt-hour of electricity you use. REGOs are certificates issued to generators for each MWh of renewable electricity they produce. The electricity physically flowing into your home is the same national grid mix, but the certificate system ensures equivalent renewable generation has been added to the grid.
What is the difference between green gas and carbon-offset gas?
Green gas (biomethane) is genuinely renewable gas produced from organic waste and injected into the national gas grid, directly replacing fossil natural gas. Carbon-offset gas is standard natural gas where the supplier funds external carbon-reduction projects to compensate for the emissions. Biomethane is the more credible option for those wanting to reduce their gas carbon footprint.
How long does switching to a green tariff take?
Under Ofgem's Switch Guarantee, the process completes within five working days. You also have a 14-day cooling-off period in which you can cancel the switch without penalty. Your supply will not be interrupted during the switch.
Will the July 2026 price cap rise affect my green fixed tariff?
No, if you are on a fixed-rate tariff your unit rates are locked for the duration of the fix regardless of cap changes. The July 2026 cap rise to £1,862/yr only affects households on standard variable tariffs. Around 40% of UK homes (22 million accounts) are already on fixed deals and are unaffected by the July rise.
Which suppliers offer the most genuinely green tariffs?
Octopus Energy, Good Energy and Ecotricity are widely considered the most credible 100% renewable suppliers in the UK. Good Energy and Ecotricity invest directly in UK renewable generation. Octopus sources its supply through a combination of its own generation, long-term PPAs and REGOs. Mainstream suppliers including British Gas, E.ON Next and OVO also offer REGO-backed tariffs with carbon-offset gas.
Can I get a green tariff with solar panels?
Yes. If you have solar panels you can be on a green import tariff AND earn Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments for electricity you export to the grid. Suppliers like Octopus and Good Energy offer competitive SEG rates. Combining a green tariff with solar and a home battery is one of the most effective ways to reduce both your bills and your household carbon footprint in 2026.
Are there green energy tariffs for businesses?
Yes. Most major suppliers offer business green electricity tariffs with 100% REGO-backed supply and documentation suitable for scope 2 greenhouse gas reporting. Green business tariffs are increasingly popular with SMEs working towards net-zero commitments or sustainability reporting requirements. Compare business green tariffs using the quote tool on this page.
Cut your bills for good with solar
With grid electricity rising to 26.11p/kWh from July 2026, solar panels and a battery can cut your import bills significantly. Compare free, no-obligation quotes from vetted local solar & battery installers.
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