FAQs - renewable energy

Does Opus Energy supply renewable energy?

A lot of suppliers make a big fuss about their green tariffs, but recent reports suggest most consumer are left confused about how effective or green they really all are.

At Opus, we prefer a simpler approach: we endeavour to secure as much of our power as possible from cleaner electricity sources – for all our customers.

Over the last two years (between April 2009 and March 2011), 70% of the energy supplied by Opus Energy to our customers came from cleaner, low-carbon sources – 37% from renewable generators and 33% from cleaner Combined Heat and Power (CHP) produced by CHP generators.

These CHP generators have been awarded accreditation by the regulator, Ofgem, for producing cleaner, more environmentally friendly power.  If you would like more information about where our renewable and cleaner energy came from, click here.

What is Climate Change Levy and why do I have to pay it?

Climate change is a huge environmental challenge facing the world today. To contribute to its reduction the UK Government has introduced the Climate Change Levy (CCL), an energy tax which is applied to UK businesses who consume more than 12,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.

Its purpose is to encourage businesses to be more energy efficient in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is expected to cut annual carbon emissions by 2.5 million tonnes a year.

It was first introduced in April 2001 with a rate for electricity consumption of 0.43p/kWh. In April 2007 the rate was increased to 0.441p/kWh and in April 2009 it was increased further to 0.470p/kWh on the amount of electricity used. The rate currently stands at 0.485p/kWh, and will increase again on 1st April 2012 to 0.509p/kWh. The levy is collected by electricity suppliers and is paid directly to the Government - no extra cost is added by Opus Energy.

What are Climate Change Levy exemptions?

Some businesses may not have to pay Climate Change Levy (CCL):

• If your business consumes less than 12,000 kWh per year
• Domestic users and 5% VAT registered users (non-business charity users). However, electricity used for business purposes by registered charities will be charged CCL
• If your power is obtained from a renewable source or cleaner power produced by Combined Heat and Power generators, under the Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance (CHPQA) programme
• Public transport services that are 0% VAT registered
• Intensive energy users are covered by an agreement negotiated with the Government and are decided on a case-by-case basis. Qualifying businesses will need to agree energy saving targets with the Government

To apply for CCL exemption, Opus Energy requires that you provide appropriate evidence or a completed PP11 certificate.

To find out more about electricity obtained from renewable sources or cleaner Combined Heat and Power, read our environmental commitment

What is the Renewable Obligation?

The Renewable Obligation scheme was set up in 2002 to support and encourage the generation of electricity from renewable sources.  Under this scheme, all suppliers must provide funds to renewable generators either directly through the purchase of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) or by contributing to the Renewable Obligation Buy-out Fund.

I am interested in generating renewable power, can Opus Energy help?

Yes. Opus Renewable products enable you to sell your excess power and generate extra revenue. We’re always looking to increase the amount of electricity supplied to our customers from renewable and cleaner sourced power. Further information is available here.

Which renewable power sources does Opus Energy contract energy from?

Opus Energy contract power from wind, anaerobic digestion (AD), solar and hydro generators.

Does Opus Energy provide Power purchase agreements (PPAs)?

Yes, Opus Energy provides competitively priced PPAs, click here to find out more information.

Does Opus Energy have a specific Renewables division?

Yes, Opus Energy has an experienced renewables team. All Opus Renwables customers will be assigned a dedicated Account Manager, who can be contacted directly for any advice at any stage of the process. To contact Opus Renewables click here.