Electricity bills get green detail

UK electricity bills, from this week, will include information on how much energy is sourced from renewable fuel, giving customers an insight into the environmental-friendliness of the supplier.

Along with the renewable detail, suppliers will also give a breakdown of all the fuels they have used to generate the electricity they provide, as well as the greenhouse gas emissions and radioactive waste produced.

"To help tackle global warming at an individual level consumers need to make informed choices, and fuel disclosure is a key ingredient in helping people to do that,” commented UK Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks.

"Liberalised electricity markets give consumers a choice of supplier based on cost. From today, that choice will also be based on how the electricity was generated and the impact that has on the environment, so giving consumers even more choice in where their money goes. If you're concerned about global warming and CO2 emissions, take a closer look at your next bill, it could make all the difference."