Parish Buying
The current Energy Basket from Parish Buying is closing on 30 September 2025, and there is a new offer called Parish Energy. Parish Energy is with new providers who offer Green Tariffs (Ecotricity for electricity and Corona for gas) and will require a new contract.
There have been some delays but indicative costs are now available. To get these costs you will need to complete a Parish Energy Expression of Interest Form on Parish Buying. To find out more about the offer, you can explore the Q&A section on Parish Buying and/or watch this video about Parish Energy.
Is Parish Buying always the cheapest option?
Although Parish Buying have worked hard to secure competitive rates, they may not be the cheapest option for your church (some churches have reported high standing charges) so your PCC may wish to explore different options.
Green Tariffs
The list of energy suppliers who meet Church of England defined ethical and environmental standards is now available. Please find the details below of suppliers which meet basic and better standards (no suppliers meet "best" at this point). If you are interested in the background you can read this Green Tariff Definition document.
The Great Switch campaign is encouraging all churches to switch to a Green Tariff to help reduce carbon emissions and more generally to help create a cleaner, fairer future for all.
Green Tariffs are as follows:
BEST
Electricity is supplied directly from 100% UK-based renewable energy sources, backed by the relevant energy certificates.
The supplier and their parent company:
◦ Has no investment in fossil fuels
◦ Transparently report their emissions
◦ Have no evidence of ethical non-compliance
◦ Is working to support wider decarbonisation
No supplier currently meets the best criteria. This is an aspirational target.
BETTER
Electricity is supplied by 100% renewable energy sources, but 50% of this is more traceable than the other 50%. All sources are backed by the relevant energy certificates. The supplier and their parent company:
◦ Has no investment in fossil fuels
◦ Transparently report their emissions
◦ Have no evidence of ethical non-compliance
◦ Is working to support wider decarbonisation
Better green electricity suppliers:
• Bryt Energy
• Ecotricity
• Good Energy
• Octopus Energy
• Parish Energy (using Ecotricity)
• 100 Green
BASIC
Electricity is supplied by 100% renewable energy sources, but 10% of this is more traceable than the other 90%. All sources are backed by the relevant energy certificates. The supplier and their parent company:
◦ Has no new fossil fuel investments planned
◦ Transparently report their emissions
◦ Have no evidence of ethical non-compliance
◦ Is working to support wider decarbonisation
Basic green electricity suppliers:
• Engie
• Opus Energy
• Smartest Energy
Green Gas Tariffs
BASIC
The most sustainable energy procurement strategy would exclude the use of gas entirely. However, if your church uses mains gas, a basic green gas tariff will supply gas from 100% biomethane produced in the UK from renewable sources, backed by Green Gas Certificates.
The supplier and their parent company:
◦ Has no new fossil fuel investments planned
◦ Transparently report their emissions
◦ Have no evidence of ethical non-compliance
◦ Is working to support wider decarbonisation
Basic green gas suppliers:
• 100 Green
• Parish Energy (using Corona Energy)
100% biogas and expected to meet our definition, but still undergoing assessment across the other criteria.
If you require any further clarity or you are in a position in which your current energy contract is coming to an end imminently and you wish to explore Green Tariffs, please email us on netzero@diocant.org.
2buy2 (Total Energies)
Please note that Total / 2buy2 no longer provide services to the Church of England.