British Gas are the oldest energy company in the entire world, tracing its lineage back to the Gas Like and Coke Company, the first public utility company in 1812. Continuing to thrive over the next 136 years, it acquired or merged with dozens of smaller companies, before eventually being taken into public ownership with the passing of the Gas Act in 1948, and later restructured in the Gas Act 1972, which bad the British Gas Corporation, before it was once again privatised with a stock market float in 1986.
Today, British Gas is a member of the ‘Big Six’ energy companies with around 14.5 million customers across the UK. But what are their eco-credentials like?
To call British Gas, use this British gas contact information.
British Gas Fuel Mix
British Gas have lead the charge in cutting down on coal usage in their energy generation, and that holds out in their latest fuel mix report, dating from between April 2015 and March 2016:
- Coal – 2%
- Gas – 30%
- Nuclear – 34%
- Renewable – 33%
- Other – 0.3%
Key to the discussion is whether nuclear power can be considered ‘eco-friendly’. Whilst it’s true that it produces little CO2 in the generation of electricity, it does create radioactive waste, which is extremely hazardous to the environment.
Nevertheless, British Gas generate a third of their electricity from renewable sources, which is excellent news and far above the UK average of 24%. In total, 69% of their energy produces zero carbon.
British Gas Sustainability Goals
British Gas have not set any goals in regards to sustainability within their business. Though clearly involved in the generation and sale of renewable energy, they have declined to state whether this will expand in the future or whether it will remain as it currently is.
British Gas Green Energy Tariffs
British Gas do not offer a dedicated green energy tariff for consumer customers, however, they do offer one for businesses, available by contacting British Gas’ business team.