green is clearer (From Western Telegraph)

green is clearer

Businesses are being encouraged by the Pembrokeshire Energy Agency to switch to green electricity in order to help the environment and to reduce their tax bills.

By buying electricity generated from cleaner sources such as water, wind or solar power, businesses are exempt from paying the Climate Change Levy. This is a tax on energy for businesses that adds 10% to the cost of electricity from conventional sources. The levy has been introduced to encourage cleaner energy use and to reduce the emission of the greenhouse gases which are causing climate change.

A Pembrokeshire Energy Agency spokesman said: Although green electricity is often more expensive than ordinary electricity, it can be cheaper than ordinary electricity plus the climate change levy. The business could also benefit by promoting the fact that it is obtaining its electricity from a clean source.

The Pembrokeshire Energy Agency has produced a leaflet listing the electricity supply companies that provide green electricity to businesses, and a number of websites that provide further information.

Interest in green electricity is growing rapidly with a 35% increase in domestic customers over the last six months.

l Local MP Jackie Lawrence has signed up to buy green electricity to help in the fight against global warming and encourage investment in renewable energy generation.

As a member of the DTI select committee looking at the UKs future energy needs, I have been impressed by the need to think more carefully about using our resources with care, she said.

Here in West Wales we have been wary of wind energy because of the visual impact on our landscape, but there are a whole range of alternatives such as solar, tidal and biomass which can contribute significantly to UK energy needs.