iChoosr, independent expert in group-buying for energy and solar PV, has made 100% renewable electricity a must-have qualification for supplier bids in its collective energy switching auctions. The move is a direct response to councils across the country declaring climate emergencies. iChoosr has pledged its intention to help councils and unions reduce household carbon emissions by over 40,000 tonnes over the next 12 months.

Under the scheme names of Big Community Switch and Big London Energy Switch, iChoosr arranges three auctions each year in which suppliers bid to have their tariff presented to the group of households which have registered. The group is promoted by councils and trade unions which invite people to join the group for free and with no obligation.

Since 2012 the collective energy schemes, available to households online, and via a paper route for those without access to the internet, have attracted 1.6 million registrants. Those who have chosen to switch have saved over £42 million on their energy bills to date.

Councils and unions provide collective energy switching schemes to engage households with the energy supply market where they would otherwise not do so. Over half of registrants have never switched before, or not switched in the last three years, and are therefore often languishing on expensive standard variable tariffs. The inclusive schemes are open to all households but have been used by many councils as part of their affordable warmth activities.

Two thirds of councils have thus far declared climate emergencies and are rolling out climate action plans which include initiatives to encourage households to minimise their carbon emissions. By making the auction winning tariffs exclusively 100% renewable electricity, the schemes will be able to contribute to councils’ carbon reduction initiatives.

George Frost, UK Country Manager, iChoosr commented, “Our collective energy switching schemes remain committed to helping households make an informed decision to select a competitive tariff to reduce their bills in these times of financial uncertainty. By switching our schemes to 100% renewable tariffs we are allowing households to save money and reduce their carbon emissions.”

“For many households, switching their energy might be their first step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Helping people to understand that renewable does not mean expensive could help pave the way to greater carbon reduction and consideration of the environmental impact of our decisions.”

The February 2020 auction saw almost 18k households switch to 100% renewable electricity tariffs. This means over 18,500 tonnes of carbon saved – equivalent to over 10,000 cars taken off the road for a year.

Councils and unions can participate in Big Community Switch and Big London Energy Switch for free and are allocated a relationship manager as their first point of call to design a programme which works to reach the ambitions of the council or union. They also have access to the campaign management team which provide materials and support in helping make people aware of the schemes so they can register.

Visit www.ichoosr.co.uk for further details.