From Brian Le Fondré.
I NOTE with interest that the Planning applications panel are calling for a policy on wind turbines for the Island (JEP, 23 January).
Might I respectfully suggest that Islanders should consider how to reduce their electricity bills and consumption first before installing wind turbines on their properties in such a small Island as Jersey? These turbines do not generate a great deal of electricity relative to their size anyway.
The best possible scenario, to my mind, is to make the most efficient use of the existing electricity supply to reduce costs. This can be achieved by installing, where conditions permit, both financially and practically, solar panels for water heating and heat pumps for general home heating, coupled with efficient building insulation.
Lighting does not usually present too much of a burden with regard to electricity costs in the overall scheme of things for the consumer.
If these measures were taken in the future, electricity consumption in the Island could be stabilised, even if more use is made of electricity to run systems generally.
Solar panels, which work even on cloudy days, can save up to 60 per cent of hot water needs and heat pumps can save up to 70 per cent on home heating compared to oil, on average. Both systems are environmentally friendly and produce green heat energy effectively, with no CO2 being involved in the output.
However, I do not advocate that everyone goes out and buys new heating systems immediately (unless they can afford it). But these alternatives should be seriously considered when replacing old systems, or should be installed in new buildings during construction where possible.
Wind turbines have their uses in isolated areas of the world where it is difficult to provide electricity from a central location, or in supplying electricity to a national grid on a large scale. But this situation does not really apply in Jersey.
6 Fair Oaks,
St Clement.
