First Utility renamed Shell Energy as customers switched to renewable power

Royal Dutch Shell has renamed First Utility as Shell Energy as it announced it has switched all of the supplier’s British residential customers to 100% renewable electricity.

The brand change comes a year after Shell acquired challenger supplier First Utility in a surprise move that has seen the oil and gas giant go head-to-head with the “big six” energy companies.

Shell said renewable electricity will now be offered as standard to all existing and new customers on all tariffs.

It is also offering a 3% discount at its forecourts for Shell Energy customers signed up to its rewards scheme and discounts on a range of home technology offers, starting with smart thermostats and electric vehicle chargers.

Shell Energy chief executive Colin Crooks said five million customers passed through Shell’s fuel forecourts a week, and the company would “of course make them aware of the offer” available to energy customers.

The company said a survey of UK household electricity bill payers found that almost 60% wanted to power their homes with electricity from renewable energy sources.

Shell Energy chief executive Colin Crooks said: “We are building on the disruptive nature of First Utility to give customers something better. We know that renewable electricity is important to them and we are delivering that, while ensuring good value and rewarding loyalty.”

Mark Gainsborough, Shell’s executive vice president of new energies, said: “This is a good example of our approach to building a significant electricity business, in line with customer needs.

“Shell recognises the world needs more energy with lower emissions and this will give customers more flexibility, greater control and cleaner energy.”

Shell has said it is aiming to become the largest electricity company by the 2030s, as it prepares for a fundamental shift in global energy supplies towards lower-carbon sources.

Shell’s plan is a response to an expected shift in the world’s energy system to much greater use of electricity, up from about 20% today to 50% or more.