These days, there are more and more electricity suppliers. They offer a wide variety of plans and, above all, very different prices. But recently, we've been hearing a lot about green electricity plans, without really knowing what they are or what they entail. If you're planning to switch suppliers soon, find out everything you need to know about these plans.

What is a green electricity offer?

On green electricity offers are increasingly being talked about. But what exactly is it? In concrete terms, it is electricity produced from renewable energy sources (biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal…).

Suppliers offering green electricity plans are required to have certified guarantees. The Guarantee of Origin, for example, is a European electronic certification issued by an independent body. Suppliers generally rely on this guarantee. Therefore, if you are looking for this type of supplier, be sure to inquire about their guarantees and certifications.

Is a green offer 100% green?

The electricity you physically consume comes from the national mix, but some suppliers commit, through guarantees of origin, to injecting into the electricity grid an amount of renewable energy equivalent to your consumption. This is the case, for example, with Plenitude, whose green electricity offer is 100% guaranteed to be of French renewable origin.

Do green electricity offers cost more?

Producing electricity using renewable energy sources is more expensive than thermal or nuclear power. This means that a green electricity offer is necessarily priced slightly higher than a non-green one. However, to encourage consumers to switch providers, many electricity suppliers offer financial incentives. For example, it's possible to get a discount on your electricity consumption at certain times of the day, evening, or weekend. Again, these are important factors to check before choosing a particular supplier.

How to choose an energy supplier offering green energy options?

To select the right energy supplier, there are several criteria to consider. Since you're looking for a green electricity offer, first inquire about guarantees and certifications. This is the most effective way to ensure that a portion of the electricity is indeed produced from renewable energy sources.

Next, find out where the electricity comes from. Ideally, choose a green electricity offer that guarantees 100% renewable energy from France. Finally, check the rates offered by the supplier. Some offer fixed or stable kWh prices for a certain period, or rates lower than the regulated electricity sales tariff in effect at the time of subscription.

In any case, don't make any hasty decisions. The wisest course of action is to compare all available offers to find the best value for money. To do this, be aware that there are comparison websites and simulators that will help you make the right choice based on your needs and... your budget.

Is it really necessary to switch to a green electricity offer?

The answer to this question depends primarily on you. As you may have gathered, the renewable energy sources are much more environmentally friendly. And for good reason: this production method generates far less pollution. So, if you too value respect for the environment and want to contribute to its preservation, switching to a green electricity plan is an excellent initiative. Of course, you're under no obligation to do so, but given the significant efforts made by electricity providers to make these plans more affordable, it would be a shame to miss out. If everyone did their part, the planet would be much better off.

How do I switch electricity suppliers?

Most people think that switching electricity providers involves lengthy administrative procedures. But this isn't the case at all; quite the opposite. The first thing you need to do is sign a contract with the provider of your choice. They will then take care of all the paperwork related to canceling your old contract. If your home is equipped with a smart meter (Linky), the time saved is considerably reduced since switching providers and plans will be done remotely. If you don't have this type of meter, a technician will need to come out. In either case, you won't experience any power outages during the transition, which is a significant advantage. Switching electricity providers is completely free.

Now that you know more about green electricity offers, you can start looking for the best supplier. Take the time to compare offers and prices, then sign up for your new contract in just a few clicks. When signing up, you will need to provide your PDL number, or delivery point number (which is the identification number of your electricity meter). This way, and if you have a smart meter, switching offers and suppliers can be done quickly and without needing to schedule an appointment with a technician for an in-home visit.