Energy suppliers across the world are rapidly expanding the availability of hourly matching electricity tariffs, according to a new report published by Granular Energy and Baringa. The findings signal a growing shift toward time-based renewable electricity accounting that affects how all carbon-free generation, including hydropower, is tracked and reported.
The survey of 75 electricity suppliers found that 52 companies already offer hourly matching tariffs or plan to launch them within six months. Most of these offerings have been introduced in the past two years, with a fourfold increase recorded over the last year alone. Hourly matching tariffs provide customers with information on the origin of electricity at an hourly or sub-hourly level. The report notes that these tariffs do not necessarily guarantee carbon-free electricity every hour, but instead enable corporate customers to calculate market-based Scope 2 emissions using hourly consumption and generation data
According to the study, hourly matching tariffs are now available in regions representing approximately 73% of global electricity demand. Europe currently leads adoption, accounting for 56% of available offerings, followed by Asia at 20% and smaller shares across North America, South America, Oceania and Africa
The UK is identified as the most advanced European market, with ten suppliers already providing hourly matching tariffs. Since 2023, hourly matching has become a common feature of business electricity supply in the UK and is offered by most major suppliers
The report highlights that most hourly matching products are currently targeted at large electricity consumers. Many suppliers apply minimum annual consumption thresholds of around 10 gigawatt-hours. However, 24% of suppliers offering hourly matching reported having no minimum size requirement, indicating broader access is beginning to emerge
In parallel with market growth, the report points to regulatory and reporting developments that reference hourly matching. Proposed revisions to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scope 2 Guidance and updates to the Science Based Targets initiative standards include phased introductions of hourly emissions accounting for large energy users
The European Union has also introduced new requirements affecting electricity sourcing. From 2030, renewable electricity used in green hydrogen production under the Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin framework must be matched on an hourly basis. In addition, updated Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism rules published in December 2025 require hourly matching between electricity generation and industrial consumption when calculating embedded emissions for certain imported materials
Among suppliers already offering hourly matching tariffs, 82% reported that they provide hourly greenhouse gas emissions reporting directly to customers. The remaining suppliers provide underlying data so customers can conduct their own emissions calculations
Despite rapid expansion, barriers remain. Suppliers not yet offering hourly matching cited limited customer demand, implementation cost, system complexity and regulatory uncertainty as the main challenges . The report concludes that hourly matching remains a premium product in many markets but notes that ongoing regulatory developments are expected to influence further adoption.
For renewable generators, including hydropower operators supplying electricity into markets with hourly matching tariffs, the report highlights the growing role of time-stamped electricity data and certificate systems in corporate energy procurement and emissions reporting frameworks.
