Ecotricity Business Review: Green Tariffs & Feedback

Ecotricity has made a name for itself as one of the UK’s top green energy suppliers. They let businesses power their operations with 100% renewable electricity.

Founded as the world’s first green electricity company, Ecotricity serves businesses of all sizes. They invest profits back into renewable energy projects across Britain, which is a big part of their appeal.

Ecotricity offers competitive green energy tariffs backed by wind, solar, and green gas sources. Their rates usually carry a premium compared to conventional energy suppliers.

The company runs 24 wind farms with 74 turbines. They’re also developing innovative projects like green gas production from grass cuttings.

On Trustpilot, Ecotricity holds a 4.2/5 rating. Customers like their transparent billing and environmental credentials, but some mention higher costs and occasional service delays.

Their business energy packages include fixed, flexible, and deemed tariffs. These options suit a range of commercial needs, especially for companies that care about sustainability.

Ecotricity at a Glance

Ecotricity stands out as Britain’s pioneering green energy company.

Ecotricity stands out as Britain’s pioneering green energy company. They combine renewable energy supply with environmental activism.

The supplier operates 24 wind farms across the UK. They invest customer payments into new renewable projects.

Company Origins and Mission

Ecotricity started in 1995 as the world’s first green energy company. Dale Vince founded it with a mission to change how Britain makes and uses energy.

They’re more than just an energy supplier. Their approach is “energy with a conscience,” focusing on building new renewable sources instead of just trading existing power.

Ecotricity calls itself “the world’s greenest energy company.” It’s a bold claim, but it sums up their dedication to environmental change.

Key founding principles:

• Building new renewable energy infrastructure
• Reinvesting profits into green projects
• Challenging the traditional energy industry
• Promoting sustainable transport solutions

They operate from Stroud in Gloucestershire. Their headquarters runs entirely on renewable energy from their own wind turbines.

Green Energy Credentials

Ecotricity gives all business customers 100% renewable electricity. Their green energy comes from wind, solar, and green gas projects across Britain.

They own and run 24 wind farms with 74 wind turbines. These generate clean electricity that goes straight into the national grid.

Their solar portfolio includes developments like Heckington Fen Solar Park in Lincolnshire. They target areas with lots of sunshine to maximise clean energy output.

Ecotricity’s renewable sources:

• Wind farms: 24 sites across the UK
• Solar parks: Multiple projects in planning and operation
• Green gas: First mill running in Reading

The green gas mill in Reading uses grass cuttings to make gas for the local supply network. It’s a real alternative to fossil fuels.

Business Energy Focus

Ecotricity serves businesses of all sizes with tailored green energy tariffs. They support small businesses, large corporations, multi-site operations, and those with half-hourly metering.

They offer three main business tariff types. Fixed tariffs give price stability and help with budgeting, while flexible tariffs suit larger businesses wanting to track market conditions. An energy broker can compare Ecotricity’s tariffs against other green suppliers.

Business energy services:

• Fixed green energy tariffs
• Flexible pricing options
• Multi-site management
• Half-hourly metering support

Their customer service runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm, and weekends from 9am to 5pm. Business customers can call 0345 555 7 100, option 3 for support.

They keep a Trustpilot rating of 4.2/5 from both business and domestic reviews. Business clients especially like the transparent billing and online account management.

Business Energy Tariffs and Pricing

Ecotricity keeps its business energy tariffs straightforward, focusing on 100% green electricity and carbon-neutral gas.

Ecotricity keeps its business energy tariffs straightforward, focusing on 100% green electricity and carbon-neutral gas. Their pricing is transparent, but costs are usually higher than market rates because they invest in renewables.

Types of Business Tariffs

Ecotricity’s variable tariffs are their standard business offering. These supply 100% green electricity from their own generation assets.

They also offer green gas. Since making green gas is tough, they provide carbon-neutral gas by investing in carbon reduction programmes.

Made-to-measure tariffs are available for larger businesses. These bespoke deals suit multi-site operations and those with higher energy needs.

Business customers get help from dedicated account managers. This support makes it easier to choose the right tariff.

Ecotricity serves SMEs, large enterprises, and multi-site users. Their tariffs fit different usage patterns and business sizes.

Price Structure and Transparency

Business electricity rates include unit rates (price per kWh) and daily standing charges. Usually, the unit rate affects your total costs most.

Ecotricity keeps tariffs fair and simple, with no hidden fees or confusing discounts. They don’t bother with the complicated pricing you see elsewhere.

Their “bills into mills” philosophy means customer payments go straight into new UK renewable projects, not just buying energy certificates.

Business energy costs with Ecotricity are generally higher than cheaper alternatives. That premium funds renewable infrastructure and their ethical business model.

Companies can request quotes based on their energy use. Pricing depends on location, usage, and contract needs.

Exit Fees and Contract Terms

Contract terms depend on the tariff. Variable tariffs usually offer flexibility and don’t lock you in for ages.

Exit fees might apply to some business contracts, especially fixed-term ones. Always check the terms before signing.

Bigger businesses with bespoke tariffs might get different contract structures, often tailored to their needs.

Ecotricity tries to keep things fair rather than tying you down with harsh contracts. This approach extends to their cancellation policies too.

It’s smart for businesses to compare contract terms as well as prices. Knowing the exit details helps you make the right choice.

Renewable Solutions for Businesses

Ecotricity helps businesses install their own renewable energy through wind turbine projects and solar panel systems.

Ecotricity helps businesses install their own renewable energy through wind turbine projects and solar panel systems. These solutions let companies generate green energy and save on long-term costs.

Wind Turbine Installations

Ecotricity runs wind turbine projects across the UK, supplying power directly to business customers. They specialise in large-scale wind installations for reliable renewable energy.

Business Wind Energy Benefits:

• Fixed-rate contracts shield you from price swings
• Lower carbon footprint with 100% renewable generation
• Long-term savings versus traditional energy

Their wind turbines generate clean electricity with no carbon emissions during use. The UK’s windy climate means the turbines work well all year.

Businesses can get wind-generated electricity through Ecotricity’s supply deals. These guarantee the energy comes from wind, not fossil fuels.

Solar Panel Options

Ecotricity invests in solar projects so businesses can get clean electricity from solar panels. They develop installations that turn sunlight into renewable power for commercial customers.

Solar Energy Features:

• Generates electricity during daylight, cutting peak-time costs
• Solar panels need little upkeep once installed
• Clean energy with zero operational emissions

Solar panels use photovoltaic tech to turn sunlight into electricity. Ecotricity’s projects let businesses tap into solar without putting panels on their own buildings.

Solar electricity mixes with Ecotricity’s green supply for 100% renewable power. Solar and wind together create a diverse energy portfolio.

Ecotricity’s Green Initiatives and Impact

Ecotricity runs programmes to cut emissions and push renewable energy development across Britain.

Ecotricity runs programmes to cut emissions and push renewable energy development across Britain. They focus on shrinking operational carbon footprints and investing profits in new green infrastructure.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Ecotricity aims to cut operational carbon emissions by 90% by 2030 as part of the Green Britain Group’s net zero goal. That’s much faster than the usual 2050 target.

Business travel and building heating make up nearly 90% of their carbon footprint. They already report zero carbon footprint for electricity use, since it’s all renewable.

Key strategies:

• More public transport for business travel
• Car sharing for meetings and events
• Using electric vehicles when possible
• Switching from gas to electric heating
• Boosting energy efficiency in offices

They hold electronic meetings but still keep some face-to-face time. They’ve approved investment for heating upgrades and building improvements.

Green Gas Mills

Ecotricity came up with “green gas mills” to create renewable alternatives to fossil gas. These use anaerobic digestion tech to turn organic waste into biomethane.

They run several green gas mills in Britain, processing farm waste, food waste, and energy crops. This biomethane goes into the national gas grid as a carbon-neutral option.

Green gas production helps farmers earn more and cuts methane from waste. The process also creates digestate, a handy organic fertiliser for farms.

Sustainable Investment Approach

Ecotricity uses customer bill payments to fund new renewable projects, not just for shareholder profit. This has helped them build 74 windmills and 3 sun parks across Britain.

They reinvest revenue into expanding Britain’s renewable capacity through wind and solar. Every customer directly helps reduce fossil fuel use.

Ecotricity also supports international carbon reduction projects. They hold ethical accreditation for sustainable business and environmental responsibility.

Customer Experience and Reputation

Ecotricity has built a solid reputation with business customers, earning a 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating from over 6,400 reviews.

Ecotricity has built a solid reputation with business customers, earning a 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating from over 6,400 reviews. They get praise for helpful support, though some businesses mention communication snags between departments.

Customer Support Performance

Ecotricity’s support team usually gets good feedback from business clients. Staff are often described as helpful, quick, and polite.

Many businesses appreciate the efficiency and know-how of support reps. The team understands business energy needs and explains tariffs and switching clearly.

Still, some negative experiences mention communication problems between departments. These can cause delays and confusion during supplier switches or account changes.

Response times are generally reasonable. The support team handles technical and billing questions with solid expertise.

Account Management for Businesses

Business customers have mixed experiences with Ecotricity’s account management. Some find switching straightforward, managed well by dedicated advisers.

Account reps often get praise for personalised service and clear guidance during setup. Many businesses value this attention when moving suppliers.

But communication between departments sometimes causes headaches. Some customers struggle when multiple teams need to coordinate service changes.

Billing usually runs smoothly, though occasional admin errors mean follow-up with support. Most billing disputes get sorted quickly once raised.

Business Energy Reviews

Ecotricity holds a 4.2/5 rating from over 6,400 reviews on Trustpilot. Business customers contribute a lot to these, with mostly positive feedback.

Review Highlights:

• Helpful, knowledgeable staff
• Efficient switching
• Strong environmental credentials
• Occasional communication hiccups

Their green credentials feature heavily in positive reviews. Businesses like working with a supplier that matches their sustainability goals.

Most business reviews focus on satisfaction with Ecotricity’s service quality and ethical energy supply.

Switching to Ecotricity for Business

Switching to Ecotricity means meeting certain business criteria and following their switching process.

Switching to Ecotricity means meeting certain business criteria and following their switching process. They support you through the transition and give clear guidance for different business types.

Eligibility and Onboarding Process

Ecotricity accepts a range of business types, including SMEs, large enterprises, multi-site operations, and businesses with half-hourly metering. They cater to sectors from manufacturing to independent shops and venues.

Eligible Business Types:

• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Large commercial operations
• Multi-site businesses
• Half-hourly metered customers

The onboarding starts with a review of your energy profile and needs. Ecotricity reps work with you to understand your tariff options and explain available rates.

During the first consultation, they’ll look at your current usage, contract terms, and sustainability goals. They then offer recommendations based on your operations and green objectives.

You’ll usually need to provide recent energy bills, site details, and meter info. For multi-site businesses, you might need to share extra location data for accurate pricing and service.

Switching Guidance and Considerations

Switching business energy suppliers is definitely more involved than changing domestic providers. Tariffs are bespoke, contracts run for all sorts of lengths, and billing can get a bit complicated.

It’s important to check when your current contract ends. If you switch to Ecotricity too early, you might get hit with termination fees.

Key Switching Considerations:

• Contract notice periods
• Exit fees and penalties
• Meter reading requirements
• Service continuity during transfer

Ecotricity suggests comparing their green tariffs with your current supplier’s rates. Their Bills to Mills programme uses extra profits to fund new renewable energy projects, so your business actually helps grow the UK’s green energy capacity.

Switching usually takes about two to three weeks for most businesses. If your site uses half-hourly metering, expect a bit more time for data checks and the transfer.

Gather your recent bills, jot down meter readings, and decide who’s going to handle your account. Ecotricity’s business support team is on hand to help during the switch.

For more on this topic, see our guides to business energy costs, top energy suppliers, and Scottish Power review.

Tom Reynolds

Business Energy Specialist

Tom focuses on commercial energy, renewable adoption, and sustainability strategy for SMEs. His background with UK energy suppliers helps businesses cut costs while meeting carbon targets.

Reviewed by

Laura Bennet

Home Energy & Sustainability Editor