Renewable energy: How a local wind farm could mean lower energy bills

Would you welcome the building of more wind farms in your area – if it meant cheaper electricity bills?

Transcript

00:00As the UK ramps up the use of wind power, there's growing debate over how energy prices are set.

00:10Octopus Energy boss Greg Jackson says it's unfair that people living near wind farms pay the same as everyone else.

00:16He's calling for local pricing, so communities that host turbines benefit directly.

00:21In areas like Kefili and parts of Yorkshire, Octopus has trialed discounts of up to 50% when it's windy.

00:27The idea has sparked huge interest, with 30,000 people and groups asking for turbines near them since 2021.

00:34Mr Jackson says this local approach could ease pressure on the national grid and reduce the need for new power lines.

00:40Right now, when the grid can't handle extra wind power, turbines are paid to shut down.

00:45At the same time, gas stations are fired up or electricity is imported, costs that are passed to consumers.

00:51Carbon Tracker estimates this waste added around £40 to household bills last year.

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