E.On has ramped up its renewable offering, committing to providing 100% renewable energy to all of its residential customers.
The electricity is to be sourced from E.On’s existing renewable generators, as well as agreements to purchase electricity directly from independent wind generators.
Revealing its 2018 financial performance earlier this year, E.On announced a 15% increase in earnings year-on-year of its renewables division, rising to £444 million. This was a contrast to the overall earnings of the supplier, which fell by roughly £7.26 million.
However, E.On is currently in the process of an asset swap with RWE. The swap will see RWE take control of E.On’s large-scale renewables operations.
An E.On spokesperson told Current ± the asset swap will have no effect on its renewable commitment and that the supplier has agreements in place to ensure the supply of renewable energy “for many years to come”.
The remaining electricity is to be matched with renewable energy sourced externally through methods such as Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates, which E.On says will come from wind, solar and biomass sources.
E.On’s renewable commitment follows a similar pledge from Shell Energy in March after it rebranded from First Utility.
However, Shell Energy was criticised for its use of REGOs in reaching 100% renewables, with green supplier Good Energy questioning how Shell Energy’s fuel mix soared to 100% renewable, describing the use of REGOs as a “loophole”.
Michael Lewis, E.On UK chief executive, said the announcement is an important first step towards a more sustainable and personalised energy system.
“We believe large-scale action can make significant change possible and we’re committed to playing a leading role and setting an example for others to follow, that’s why we’re providing all of our residential customers with 100% renewable electricity as standard – a change at a scale never seen before in Britain,” he added.
