Wind turbines cut energy costs

CONSUMERS could have the chance to save up to one-third off their electricity bill by installing a wind turbine on the roof of their house.

British Gas will be trialling the wind turbines in Scotland and South West England later in a pilot programme later this year which, if successful, could expand to include properties across Britain.

British Gas estimates that the wind turbine would cut around one-third of a household's electricity bill.

The five-foot wide turbines cost around £1,500 to buy and install. Once installed they produce around 1 kilowatt of electricity to supplement the household's existing supply from the national grid ? enough to power a television, DVD player, computer, fridge, freezer and several lights.

{1} The micro-wind generators would be plugged directly into the household's mains circuit supplied from the national grid. It could plug in through a standard three-pin plug and would operate in wind speeds as low as three miles per hour.

A cable leads directly from the turbine into a control box where the wind power is converted to match the mains frequency. The turbines are similar in size to a satellite dish and can be bolted on to a wall or gable end.

Research from the London Assembly shows that around 250,000 Londoners are interested in installing renewable energy systems. Householders may also be to apply for subsidies as part of the Government's Clear Skies programme, which encourages the use of 'green' energy.

Dr Diana Montgomery, Head of Environment Strategy at British Gas said: 'Having a roof-top turbine means householders can save money and help do their bit for the environment - initial estimates show one unit could cut annual electricity bills by up to a third and reduce CO2 emissions by half a tonne per annum.'