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Rebel Energy’s Halloween Survival Guide

Welcome to Rebel Energy’s Halloween special, where we show you how to fight off nightmare energy bills and kick wasteful habits to the curb. This October, we’re throwing down with spooky tips like “Billraiser,” “Quickerman,” and “The Darkening” to help you save cash and make your home a lean, mean, energy-efficient machine. Because at Rebel, we’re not here to follow the rules – we’re here to rewrite them. Let’s dive into the savings!

“Billraiser”: Tear Down High Bills, Raise Your Savings

(Inspired by Hellraiser)

Those sky-high bills haunting your wallet? It’s time to scare off the energy leeches lurking in your home. By making a few rebellious moves, you’ll be raising savings and lowering bills faster than you can say “trick or treat.”

• Unmask the Hidden Vampires: These sneaky “energy vampires” – TVs, chargers, and game consoles — suck up power even when they’re off! Unplug them or use power strips to stake ‘em once and for all. Rebel tip: smart plugs make cutting the cord easier, letting you shut down energy wasters without lifting a finger.
• Insulate Your Lair: Stop warm air from sneaking out by beefing up insulation in windows, doors, and attics. It’s an easy upgrade that stops your heating from working overtime — and you from paying for it.

 “Quickerman”: Shorter Showers, Lower Bills

(Inspired by The Wicker Man)

Your water heater is thirsty for energy. It’s one of the biggest guzzlers in your home, but we’ve got just the thing to keep it in check. Inspired by “Quickerman,” these quick tricks will keep your wallet full and water bills low.

• Speed Demon Showers: Shorten those showers by a few minutes, or upgrade to a low-flow showerhead. Either way, you’ll cut down on water heating costs and show that water heater who’s boss.
• Turn Down The Cauldron: Keep things comfortable but cost-effective by setting your water heater to 120°F (48°C). It’s just hot enough for comfort but low enough to avoid scalds and surprise expenses.

 “The Darkening”: Keep the Lights Low, the Bills Lower

(Inspired by The Shining)

Leaving lights blazing all night? Not on our watch. This Halloween, embrace “The Darkening” to take control of lighting costs. Let your lights work for you, not against you.

• Dare to Dim: LED bulbs are a game-changer. They last longer, cost less to run, and give your home the lighting upgrade it deserves. Add dimmable options, and you’ve got all the light you need, at a fraction of the cost.
• Summon Ghost Lights: Set up motion-sensor lights in high-traffic areas like hallways and bathrooms. They’ll only switch on when needed, keeping energy use low and saving you from footing the bill for an empty room. This is a good investment for long-term savings.

Join us this Halloween in sticking it to high energy costs with these rebellious, spooky-themed tricks. From “Billraiser” to “The Darkening,” these moves will keep your costs as low as possible all season long. We’re here to keep your energy usage as low as possible, while giving your wallet a rest from its own horror stories!

Honouring Innovation, Empowerment, and Environmental Justice

At Rebel Energy, we are driven by our mission to create a greener, fairer future by making clean energy accessible to everyone. As we celebrate Black History Month, we acknowledge the significant contributions of Black individuals in shaping the energy sector, while also reflecting on the ongoing struggle for environmental justice and equality.

Our COO, Bwalya Kasase, is passionate about the importance of Black History Month and its connection to our work.

“This month is about recognising the critical role Black individuals have played in shaping industries like energy,” says Bwalya. “It’s also about pushing forward to ensure the transition to renewable energy is inclusive and fair, leaving no community behind.”

Lewis Latimer: A Pioneer in Energy Innovation

One such figure who has had a lasting impact on the energy industry is Lewis Latimer. A key inventor in the late 19th century, Latimer improved the carbon filament in light bulbs, making electric lighting more efficient and affordable. His contributions helped pave the way for widespread access to electricity, an essential foundation of the modern energy industry. Latimer’s work highlights the importance of innovation in creating systems that benefit all, and his legacy continues to inspire our mission to make energy fair and accessible for everyone.

Energy and Environmental Justice: Addressing Inequality

At Rebel Energy, we understand that a sustainable future must also be just. For too long, marginalised communities, especially Black communities, have disproportionately faced environmental injustices, from higher energy costs to living near pollution-heavy industries. Black History Month serves as a reminder that building an equitable energy system means addressing these inequalities.

As Bwalya emphasises,

“The energy transition is about more than just reducing emissions – it’s about ensuring that everyone benefits from clean, affordable energy, regardless of their background.”

Looking Forward: Powering Change Together

This Black History Month, Rebel Energy reaffirms our commitment to driving both social and environmental progress. By celebrating the contributions of Black innovators like Lewis Latimer, we are reminded of the powerful role that individuals play in shaping industries for the better.

Together, we can create a future where clean energy empowers all people and communities, leaving no one behind in the journey towards sustainability.

Rebel Energy and Ebico Living Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Slash Home Energy Standing Charges

• Rebel Energy launches a strategic partnership with Ebico Living
• Partnership unites the UK’s first not-for-profit energy company with Rebel Energy’s mission-driven focus on affordability and sustainability
• New energy deal delivers the UK’s lowest fixed-rate standing charge for home energy through both smart and conventional meters

Rebel Energy and Ebico Living have joined forces to revolutionise the home energy market, bringing affordable, sustainable warmth to homes across the UK. By combining the strengths of Ebico, the UK’s first not-for-profit energy company, with Rebel Energy’s innovative approach to energy supply, this partnership promises to deliver real cost savings to households.

Under this partnership, Ebico will continue to provide its energy plans through its Ebico Living brand, while Rebel Energy will supply the energy to Ebico customers. Together, we are addressing one of the biggest financial burdens facing energy consumers today – standing charges.

At Rebel Energy, we understand the strain that high standing charges place on households, particularly for those on standard variable tariffs. Many families are paying as much as £375* per year in standing charges alone, even before using any energy. But today marks a major shift in the energy market. With the introduction of the Ebico Signature energy tariff, we are slashing standing charges to just £147** – the lowest rate available for fixed-rate home energy. This means households can save an average of £228 annually.

Not only does the Signature tariff offer the lowest standing charge, but it also includes highly competitive electricity and gas rates, making it the most affordable choice for households looking to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

“At Rebel Energy, we are excited to partner with Ebico Living to bring about a significant change in the home energy market. This collaboration aligns with our mission to end fuel poverty in the UK. By offering the lowest fixed rate standing charges available, we are helping to ease the financial burden on households and promoting a fairer energy market. Together with Ebico, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that benefit our customers and the environment.”

Dan Bates, CEO – Rebel Energy

The Ebico Signature tariff is particularly beneficial for smaller households with lower energy usage, for whom standing charges can be disproportionately expensive. By working together, Rebel Energy and Ebico are proving that affordable, sustainable home energy doesn’t have to be out of reach for low-income families.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to announce this partnership with Rebel Energy. Together, we are embarking on a journey with joint objectives, combining our strengths to offer our customers great energy deals that also support the wider affordability of sustainable living. Rebel Energy shares our focus on the twin imperatives of home energy decarbonisation and affordability and together we are determined that the interests of low-income households should not be forgotten in Britain’s vital transition to Net Zero. We’re proud that, through our partnership with Rebel Energy, we can offer ‘Signature’, our first new energy deal in three years. Signature enables us to offer savings to smaller households. With lower heating requirements, such households can find standing charges a disproportionate financial burden. Signature offers huge savings on standing charges – great news for all householders, but particularly for those with lower energy use.”

Phil Levermore, CEO – Ebico Living

For more information on how to become an Ebico customer, please visit https://living.ebico.org.uk 

* Annual standing charge for dual fuel customer in Northeastern England (F) supply region on a Price Capped Standard Variable energy plan

** Annual standing charge for dual fuel customer in Northeastern England (F) supply region on the Ebico Signature energy plan

ENDS

Media Contacts

Ebico Living

Marko Bjelic, Head of Marketing

T: +44 (0)1993640031

E: marko.bjelic@ebico.org.uk

W: https://living.ebico.org.uk 

Rebel Energy

Leanne Wright, Head of Marketing & Communications

Email: leanne@rebelenergy.com

Website: www.rebelenergy.com 

Notes to Editors.

About Ebico

Founded in 1998, Ebico is a not-for-profit social enterprise.  Our mission is to make low carbon warmth affordable for low-income households.

To do this:

• Through our commercial trading arm, Ebico Living, we promote energy plans and related services which support all our customers in cutting their carbon emissions and saving money.
  
  
• Through our social impact investment scheme, Ebico Innovation, we provide impact investment funding and support to start-up and early-stage companies which have products and services that will drive-down the cost and improve the sustainability of household warmth for lower income families.
  
  
• We donate our surpluses to our charitable trust, The Ebico Trust, which makes charitable grants to organisations supporting innovation in affordable low carbon home warmth.

About Rebel Energy 

Rebel Energy is one of the few energy suppliers to have navigated the recent energy crisis successfully. Here are four key reasons why this innovative company stands out:

1. Commitment to Renewables: Rebel Energy aims for a future where every electron on the grid is generated from renewable sources, phasing out gas entirely. By partnering with companies like Ebico, Rebel ensures a seamless energy delivery process, allowing cost savings to be passed on to all customers.
2. Mission to End Poverty: Rebel Energy actively supports customers with free, money-saving advice, grants, and benefits that improve credit ratings. At Rebel, people always come before profits.

3. Advanced Automation: Utilising state-of-the-art automated systems and processes, Rebel Energy significantly reduces the costs associated with providing energy services, setting it apart from other suppliers.

4. People First’ Philosophy: Rebel Energy’s customer service is personalised and first-class, unlike the impersonal service from larger suppliers. Switching to Rebel Energy is effortless for every household and business across the UK, ensuring a better energy deal for all.

June is a month of celebration, reflection, and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month, commemorating the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle for equality and the achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.

It’s a time to honour diversity, promote acceptance, and inspire change. At Rebel Energy, these values resonate deeply within our company culture and ethos.

Embracing Diversity at Rebel Energy

Rebel Energy is not your typical company. We’ve reimagined what a workplace can be by eliminating titles, unnecessary meetings, and rigid hierarchies. Our approach is rooted in the belief that everyone should have the freedom to pursue their passions and contribute in ways that align with their unique strengths and values. This commitment to individual empowerment and collective progress makes Rebel Energy an ideal environment for celebrating Pride Month.

A Workplace Without Boundaries

At Rebel, we believe in a flat organisational structure where every voice matters. This inclusivity is not just a policy but a fundamental part of our identity. By removing traditional power dynamics, we create a space where everyone feels valued and heard. This egalitarian approach aligns perfectly with the spirit of Pride Month, which champions the rights and recognition of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Encouraging Authenticity and Self-Expression

Pride Month is about embracing who you are and expressing your true self without fear of judgment. At Rebel, we create an environment where authenticity is celebrated. Employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, knowing that their unique perspectives and experiences are what drive our collective success. This culture of acceptance and encouragement is vital for developing innovation and building a company that truly reflects the diverse world we live in.

Collaboration and Shared Vision

Working at Rebel means collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a vision of creating something better. Our commitment to inclusivity extends to our hiring practices, team interactions, and community engagements. We understand that diverse teams are stronger teams, and we actively seek out and support talent from all backgrounds. By doing so, we not only enhance our creativity and problem-solving capabilities but also uphold the values of equality and respect that are at the heart of Pride Month.

Building a Company Together

We are more than just a workplace; we are a community. A community where ownership is shared, and success is collective. This sense of belonging and mutual support is crucial, especially during Pride Month. We stand with the LGBTQ+ community, not just in June, but every day, advocating for equal rights and opportunities. Our company culture is a living testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a common purpose and a shared commitment to making a difference.

This Pride Month, and every month, we are proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Welcome to Rebel Energy – a place where you can be yourself, follow your cause, and help shape a more inclusive world.

At Rebel Energy, we’re committed to providing clean energy as part of our customer offering. However, our rapid growth presents challenges in securing direct volumes of renewable energy from generators to meet our customers’ electricity demands. This has led us to consider purchasing Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs).

However, we understand the moral dilemma here. While REGOs would label our energy as 100% renewable, we’re cautious about this route. Just buying REGOs might seem like greenwashing, and we’re not comfortable with that. It’s hard to know how much of this trade actually supports renewable generation in the UK versus just benefiting traders or other intermediaries.

Rather than opting for this conventional route, we’ve decided to take a different stance. We see a better use for these funds: addressing the environmental damage caused by the energy industry and aiding those in poverty by reducing their energy consumption. We’re making a conscious choice to invest in initiatives that support nature and alleviate energy poverty in the UK.

The Rebel way is to view this as a self-imposed tax, with the proceeds directed towards environmental restoration and helping the most vulnerable households access energy-saving solutions. By giving to an independent charity, we ensure these funds are used effectively for the betterment of society as a whole.

Our approach may be unconventional, but we believe it’s the right one. It’s about making a hard but necessary choice for the benefit of our planet and its people.

Rebel Energy has launched a new app for customers to monitor, track and manage their energy usage on the move.   Developed by Eliq, the energy technology platform provider, it encourages customers to submit meter readings directly to their account and see useful information about usage, bills, payments, account balance and more.

Bwalya Kasase, Head of Operations at Rebel Energy has been working closely with Eliq throughout the app’s development.  He says: “It has been great to be able to lean on the technological knowhow of Eliq in order to bring this app to our customers.  Now our customers can better manage their energy use.  Rather than waiting for their monthly bill, people can log on whenever they want and gain a deeper insight into how much they are spending in real time.”

Alex Ross, Project Manager at Eliq says: “We have loved working with Rebel because here is an energy supplier who is doing everything it can to end fuel poverty by helping its customers directly.

“Energy inefficiency is a large problem in the UK. Wastage costs money and harms the planet. Rising energy costs make this even more urgent. By choosing Eliq, Rebel provides yet another additional service to their customers, giving them the tools to understand their consumption through intelligent energy insights. Rebel customers will be empowered to take action on their energy usage, save money and get a better feeling of being in control.”

Already in the first two weeks of rollout, over 60% of Rebel Energy’s customers have downloaded the app.  Rebel continues to partner with Eliq to build a customer account portal for use on large screens.

The new Rebel Energy App is available in the Google Play & Apple App store for Rebel Energy customers to download free.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.eliq.rebel

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/rebel-energy/id1612269241

We’ve all seen energy prices rocket.  Just look at our recent bills coming in at home.  But did you know that the amount of electricity you use in your home is also set to *double* over the next 15 years? 

We’ve worked this out based on an explosive combination of new factors, set off by the pandemic and now the war in Ukraine.  Changes includes more people working from home, the desire to wean ourselves off oil and gas, an increase in electric vehicles plugged in at home and heat pumps being rolled out. And how many more new gadgets will be needing electricity?  Add to this the stats about a growing population, an increase in housing stock, and more people living independently, and you can see why energy use is going up.

Commentators call it “The Energy Transition”.

Rebel is in the business of supplying energy, but we want to show people how to use it wisely, not to waste it, and to help people on low incomes to access technology and other ways to keep their costs managable and as low as possible. This issue is dearest to our hearts – ending fuel poverty in the UK.

Rebel was founded to offer clean energy, fair prices and superb customer service. We keep things local. We generate our energy in the UK, and we invest in carbon-removal projects throughout the country. Although many of our customers still use gas, we are helping them find alternative sources. We are supplying energy through solar panel installations and wind turbines. Because, what’s more…Rebel Energy will not rest until fossil fuels are history.

These are all huge issues, and we believe that we can tackle them because they are all interlinked anyway. Since the pandemic, people are trying to make more ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly choices. That incredible wave of altruism, determination to buy local and to help the people around us, is still with us.

That’s what makes Rebel the only energy supplier for this unique moment.

Join The Rebellion.  Sign up for change at www.rebelenergy.com

It’s tough times for the energy market right now, but here at Rebel we’re keeping the proverbial fires burning thanks to another successful funding round with our amazing team of investors.

That means we can spend the winter focusing on what matters – building a sustainable, profitable business capable of weathering whatever storm the markets bring. We’ll be perfecting our automation, our tech systems and customer platforms to ensure we’re in the best possible shape for launch. And that will be the real test, because the quicker we can scale-up, the quicker we can begin the real work of helping the fuel-poor. 

Let’s face it, this winter is going to be really tough for those who are hard-up. With prices spiralling out of control, it’s not just energy suppliers struggling to stay afloat – the 1 in 10 UK households living in fuel poverty will experience rising debts, which means families cutting corners and children going hungry. With increasing the pressure to self-disconnect, we’ll see more respiratory illnesses and cold-weather deaths, particularly among the elderly who are most at risk. 

We think there’s never been a more important time to be a Rebel, and supporting an ethical supplier like ours means being part of a movement for change. We believe that change is worth it and we hope you do too.

Sign-up for our waiting list now to stay abreast of our plans for launch. When we kick-off in the new year, you’ll be the first to know. For any questions in the meantime, drop us a line at beta_tester@rebelenergy.com, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re building a better energy supplier. Actually, it’s more than that: we’re redesigning the energy supplier from the ground up – for this unique and transformative moment in time. 

That takes work. And we need feedback on that work. So we’re looking for beta testers – an exclusive group of early customers to join us while we make sure everything runs smoothly. During this period, we’ll be testing our systems and checking all is in place. 

Here are the basics of beta-testing with us 

• When supplying your energy, we guarantee you will always have power 
• There will always be someone to help you 
• Our website will look good, but our emails will be basic 
• Your comments and feedback will shape what we do in the future 

And here are the essentials 

• Call us on 0345 528 0195 if you need any help 
• Or help@rebelenergy.com if you prefer to email
• Dial 105 for electricity emergencies. Dial 0800 11 999 for gas emergencies. 

We get into more detail below, but if you already know you want to come on this journey, get a quote now.  

Industry-leading automation 

We’re automating back-end processes so our people can focus 100% on delivering what matters: great customer service, clean energy, real affordability, and helping those who need it. 

The automation is built. The processes are mapped out. The only thing missing is input from real people, using our website and web portal as normal. Once our robots (or ‘Rebelots’, if you will) get used to how our customers use the system, we’re confident it will be the best in the business.  

Customer experience 

We’re developing customer experience that’s caring, thorough and easy to use. And we haven’t quite perfected it yet.  

So until it’s rolled out in all its glory, we’ll have something more basic. In practice, that means things will be a little less slick on the design front. And emails might arrive a little slower than usual. But everything will be 100% personalised and accurate – and there will always be someone at the other end, ready to help.  

Building something better 

That last paragraph captures the nature of beta testing. Things will be a little slower and plainer to begin with. And there will probably be one or two things that look a bit off. But everything does work. And you get to shape something special: creating a better approach to energy, at a time when we need it the most.  

Get a quote to become a beta tester now. 

Tomorrow is the 47th World Environment Day (the very first was held in 1974, which tells us that we’ve been dealing with this issue for a long time). 

This one is special. It launches the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Spanning 2021 to 2030, this is a global mission to restore and revive billions of hectares of ecosystems. Saving the planet, saving ourselves.  

This is essential work: over the last century, we’ve destroyed half of our wetlands. Half of our coral reefs are gone too, and we might well lose 90% of them by 2030 even if we keep the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. We’ve lost uncountable acres of forests, peatbogs, seagrass meadows and mangroves. When those ecosystems go, they take insects, animals, plants and carbon stores with them. And it’s crucial to note that environmental degradation goes hand in hand with growing inequality. 

So there’s a lot of work to do: a lot of land and ocean to repair. A lot of nature to heal. And not a lot of time. 

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is one of the world’s greatest-ever endeavours — this is the chance to take hold of the magnificent world we live in, and save it from destruction. It’s a task that touches every inch of our earth, from the darkest reaches of the sea, to our busy cities and the tops of our mountains.  

We might feel overwhelmed by the scale of all this. But the fundamental truth is that change comes from holistic, sustainably-run, locally-empowered projects. And anyway, restoration is good for us. Apart from the bald fact that it gives us a future, it’s also good for our general health and wellbeing (and it actually gives healthy returns on financial investment too).  

In other words: we really can make a difference. We just have to do it. 

The themes of 2021’s World Environment Day are ‘Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.’ These are about ambition, action, imagination – and they put the era of vague commitments and watered-down plans firmly in the past. 

They also have a striking rhyme with our own values of ‘Rebuild, Restore, Renew’. Which makes sense: we share WED’s belief that restoring the planet and social justice are intimately and inextricably linked. 

You might ask what we’re doing, apart from supplying 100% renewable electricity.  

We set up Rebel Restoration to support brilliant projects that restore ecosystems, remove carbon from the atmosphere and empower local communities. A lot of these are in the UK (we’re particularly keen on restoring peatbogs and planting seagrass meadows), and we also want to plant mangroves overseas.  

We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do. We’re sure there will be teething problems and we’ll make mistakes – but we are fully committed to an approach that actually means something. We will do the right thing when there is nobody watching.  

This is the decade that makes or breaks it. And we know where we stand.