Homeowners will be able to build WIND FARMS in their back garden under new green energy government plans
GOING GREEN Homeowners will be able to build WIND FARMS in their back garden under new green energy government plans
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HOMEOWNERS may be able to build wind farms in their back garden under new green energy government plans.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband has revealed plans to launch a consultation on shaking up rules for building wind farms on personal property.
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Government plans could see it easier to build wind farms in gardens
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Wind farms can help to reduce your energy bills but have been slammed as being an eyesore
Credit: Reuters
It could mean wind turbines on rooftops and in people's gardens could be easier to build.
Wind farms can help to reduce energy bills, because it can be a cheaper way of generating electricity.
A consultation will be launched at the end of the year.
The shake-up was set out as part of the government's big push on doubling onshore wind farms across England by 2030.
Other plans include building up a skilled workforce to build farms and creating 45,000 jobs by the end of the decade and repowering old turbines.
The government said local communities who agree to have wind farms built in the area could get extra money for new facilities like football pitches and libraries.
Households could even get cheaper energy bills through discount schemes.
The government estimated that £70 million of community funding will be unlocked under its plans.
Mr Miliband said: "The reality is that every turbine we build helps protect families, businesses and the public finances from future fossil fuel shocks.'
However, the Conservatives pushed back against the strategy, accusing the energy secretary of making the country's energy 'unreliable and expensive' through his 'obsession with climate targets'.
This is the latest push from the government to boost wind power so that the UK does not rely on other countries - especially Russia - for gas supply.
Families were told that they could save £45 on their energy bills every year under plans to build wind and solar farms near energy-guzzling towns and cities.
However, the push on wind farms have been slammed by local residents with turbines planned near them.
Locals said they were considering moving out of the area because of plans for a wind farm project at Cabrach.
What else can you do to lower bills
If you live near a wind farm, you could benefit from cheaper energy bills.
But there are other ways to save money if you don't live near one.
If you are struggling with your energy bills, get in touch with your local council to enquire about the Household Support Fund.
The programme is designed to help struggling families with rising food and energy costs.
The amount you can get varies from council to council.
No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you've let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one.
If you haven't browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there.
Little tricks like defrosting your freezer to help it run more efficiently and cutting your shower time can also add up to big savings over the year.
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