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Greenpeace Campaign Director Steve Campbell (left) presents an award to a representative from Simply Energy at the energy retailer's Melbourne office. The award recognises Simply Energy as Australia's "dirtiest energy retailer".
Enlarge image“There has been some tough competition over the past 12 months,” said head judge and Greenpeace campaign director Steve Campbell, “but Simply Energy’s steadfast commitment to powering climate change through their coal addiction has left them head and shoulders ahead of the pack.”
Consumers can see where their own energy retailer stands on coal thanks to a new online guide from Greenpeace. It helps consumers make an energy choice that addresses, rather than contributes to, climate change.
See where your energy retailer stands and get them to clean up their act
Photos from the award presentation
“With plans for new coal plants across the country and governments failing to act, energy retailers must commit to rejecting electricity from new coal-fired power stations,” says Campbell. “While others are moving towards using clean renewable energy for the future, Simply Energy simply couldn’t give a damn. They have made it abundantly clear that they want more coal and therefore more climate change.”
Simply Energy is the retail arm of International Power, the UK-based multinational that owns Hazelwood Power Station. Hazelwood is the dirtiest power station in the developed world, producing a staggering 19 million tonnes of greenhouse pollution every year. That is the same amount as emitted by all 1.4 million households in Melbourne.
Yesterday, Greenpeace activists blocked one of the giant excavators at Hazelwood for eight hours, demanding an end to state welfare for big polluters and urging Prime Minister Rudd to get serious on climate change.
See what our activists did at Hazelwood Power Station
Today, we took the message to the energy retailers. “Simply Energy really are the worst. We hope that this award will help raise awareness among consumers that have the power to choose a retailer willing to give a clear commitment to no new coal,” Mr Campbell said.
