Green Energy Deals “Mislead Consumers”
Thanks to Larry O, ENTERMODAL’s designer/owner for bringing this article from The Independent to my attention. Apparently, the UK’s Energywatch, an independent gas and electricity watchdog surveyed 12 green tariffs in the United Kingdom, and found ten of them to be disappointing.
From the article: “Ogfem (independent investigator) told The Independent it is concerned that customers may be being misled about the actual impact of the so-called “green tariffs” on the generation of renewable energy. Instead of offering additional clean power, the companies have merely been selling green customers the renewables they are forced to buy by law anyway, often at a premium.”
Additionally, “The big energy companies do buy renewable power, but environmental groups, the industry watchdog and the regulator say they are not increasing their the amount they buy as a result of their green tariffs.
In fact they are only “repackaging” the renewable energy supply under the Government’s Renewable Obligations Order introduced in 2002.
Even then they fail to meet these legal quotas, the campaigners complain. The result is that tens of thousands of customers are charged more for green tariffs, yet no extra green energy is produced as a result .”
What’s so wonderful about this is that you can be damned certain the same shenanigans are happening in the United States. Once citizens get wind of these scams, it’s only going to lessen the overall desire by the public to participate in genuine ‘green’ electricity programs. This, of course, really pisses me off! We need to hang these bastards by the thumbs and then slice them ala “Pan’s Labyrinth” to create public scars that will mark them forevermore as traitors to the cause.
Does anyone know what sort of independent reviews/audits are being conducted in the U.S. to forestall similar abuse? There must be something set up, but I haven’t been able to find any information to share. Again, you can find the original article here.
Today’s musical inspiration= “Plastic Energy Man” by Papa M: [audio:plastic.mp3]
Is anyone out there making a mix CD of my song selections yet?
Tags: environment, news