People’s Champion finalist 2017: Bulb

Start-up name: Bulb
Founders: Hayden Wood and Amit Gudka
Started in: August 2015 (launched April 2016)
Based in: London
Business description: 100% renewable energy supplier

Shortlisted categories:

The Founders Pledge Social Impact Award

The Bulb story:

Not typically renowned for its transparency or green credentials, London-based Bulb is on a mission to “make the whole energy industry better”.

Founded by Hayden Wood and Amit Gudka, who both have experience working in the energy sector, Bulb is a 100% renewable energy company that’s looking to be more than “just the most profitable provider in the UK”.

Supplying over 100,000 members with 100% renewable electricity and 10% renewable gas at prices it claims are “20% cheaper than the Big Six”, Bulb is already rated as the number one energy supplier on TrustPilot by its members.

Despite being less than two years old, it’s not hard to see what so many consumers are being drawn towards its light as, according to Bulb, its average member saves 1.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere – the equivalent of every member taking 1.3 cars off the road.

And Bulb’s global conscience doesn’t end there.

For every new member that joins Bulb, £2 is donated toward the Edible Playgrounds programme; which transforms drab areas of school playgrounds in the urban jungle into vibrant green spaces, giving children access to nature and an opportunity to develop healthy eating.

The start-up claims its members have already supported the building of six Edible Playgrounds, with members of the Bulb team even helping with the construction process too – collectively giving up 145 hours to work on the initiative.

Bulb says it’s not playing the “do-gooder” role just for good PR though: “It’s just about doing what makes sense for our environment and future generations.”

Why Bulb made our shortlist:

Wearing its green credentials firmly on its sleeve, Bulb is proof that a start-up with a social conscience really can make a name for itself in a sector that’s been dominated by corporates – until now.

Amassing hundreds and thousands of clients, despite being less than two years old, Bulb’s instant popularity certainly turned the heads of our judges.

Battling against the Big Six, while doing what it can for the environment, Bulb is a bright idea with an even brighter future.

Where to find out more about Bulb:

Website: bulb.co.uk
Twitter: @bulbenergy