The key difference between green electricity and conventional electricity is generated. The generation of eco-energies produces no or hardly any greenhouse gases. In addition, there are no dangerous waste products, such as radioactive waste from nuclear energy. After generation, all types of electricity make their way to the consumer together – at least for now.
Both green electricity and conventional electricity are fed into the same power grid. This means that coal or nuclear power can still come out of your socket even if you have signed a green electricity contract. You will be supplied by the power station closest to your home.
But it is still worth signing a green electricity contract because it will promote the expansion of renewable energies. And not only that - according to the Renewable Energy Sources Act, but the so-called feed-in priority also applies to green electricity.
This means that the more consumers opt for green electricity, the more green electricity actually comes out of the socket. However, green electricity is not always green electricity. Not all green electricity providers invest in expanding green electricity power plants, for example, or are pure green electricity providers.
When concluding a contract, the motto is: Open your eyes. Green electricity seals of approval such as the OK Power certificate and the green electricity label are a good guide.
You should pay attention to green electricity.
When deciding on green electricity, the focus is usually on environmental considerations, so you should take your time and carefully examine the respective energy provider. Experts recommend concluding the electricity contract with energy providers who only use green electricity. Producing a little green electricity or acquiring EECS certificates but otherwise relying on conventional electricity from nuclear or coal plants and feeding it into the power lines is appropriately referred to as greenwashing.
In any case, the energy transition and climate protection's desired goal will hardly be achieved in this way or only very slowly. The term green electricity is not protected, and therefore the green electricity tariffs are often divided into eco-based and eco-sustainable for better differentiation. To promote the expansion of renewable energy systems, you should ensure a contract for sustainable green electricity. It is optimal if the electricity provider is independent, i.e., not a subsidiary of a large nuclear company.
All energy suppliers offer a wide variety of electricity tariffs, but these are ultimately only really cheap if they meet the actual needs of the household. This means that you determine exactly how high your electricity consumption is before switching electricity providers.
Consult the electricity bills for the last few years. This gives a realistic picture. It would be best if you also considered whether you are planning to make new, power-intensive purchases such as electric cars or whether you will be getting rid of some power guzzlers.
Suppose you have concluded a cheap electricity contract where you ultimately have to buy or pay for too much electricity. In that case, this is just as disadvantageous as an electricity contract where you have calculated your electricity requirements too tightly. In this case, the additional electricity you use is usually costly.
Although charging an electric car at a wall box can be significantly cheaper than at the public charging stations, you still have a higher power consumption. In the meantime, however, many energy suppliers are only offering favorable special tariffs for the wall box. Moreover, since the charging station must be connected to a separate circuit, a special tariff for your electric car can be implemented without any problems.
Special tariffs often have significantly better conditions, but you usually have to sign up for a term of at least one, usually two years. During this time, you can usually neither cancel nor switch. A special right of termination only applies if you move and the energy supplier cannot supply you at your new address.
The second reason for an extraordinary termination can be a price increase. A wrong decision can cost you dearly. If you opt for a significantly shorter term, you are more flexible, but you pay more for it. This ultimately makes itself felt in the event of higher power consumption.
If you have concluded an electricity contract, the agreed fee applies to the entire term. However, if the legal requirements, such as the EEG surcharge, change during the contract period, the energy supplier may adjust the price but must inform you of this in writing. In this case, you, in turn, may make use of the special right of termination already mentioned.
Although the electricity market was liberalized, many consumers still find it challenging to switch electricity providers. Switching is straightforward: You choose the green electricity tariff that suits you and gets in touch with the provider. The new provider takes care of all the formalities for you. The fear that you will suddenly find yourself without power during the change is unjustified. The municipal utility must provide you with the so-called primary supply if necessary.
