Sustainable Energy and Climate Change - MPs debate vital new efficiency powers

3.31.58pm GMT Fri 11th Nov 2005

Many more houses could 'microgenerate' electricity with a small wind turbine erected on the roof

Today MPs debated two important Private Members Bills promoting Sustainable Energy and Management of Energy, which aim to reduce carbon emissions and the impact of climate change. Annette Brooke showed her support for both Bills by being in the House of Commons and joining this important debate.

Speaking in the 2nd Reading debate of the Management of Energy in Buildings Bill, which seeks to facilitate the development of microgeneration to promote home-based energy generation, Annette Brooke MP said:

"It is ridiculous that often controversial telecommunications masts of less than 15 meters high have permitted development status*, which are rarely supported by local people, while getting planning permission for something sensible and environmentally beneficial, like a small wind turbine on the roof, is often a costly and lengthy process."

The price of buying and installing a micro-wind turbine has dropped significantly in recent years, and they are now more affordable and therefore have far less "payback" time - meaning, microgeneration of wind energy will in just a few years reduce your electricity bills and pay back what you spent on installing such a 'microgenerator'. Annette and Mike Brooke are looking into getting one themselves.

*Permitted development status, means that no planning permission is required.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Management of Energy in Buildings Bill would give permitted development (PD) status to microgeneration - i.e. householders would not have to apply for planning permission to have a home based energy generator, such as a wind turbine. Of course, there would be many safeguards regarding intrusion - it is important to emphasise that permitted development status already exists as regards TV aerials and satellite dishes.

Microgeneration is no more intrusive than aerials and dishes ¡V indeed it can be less so. In the case of micro wind, the turbine is small, and may well not protrude above the roof height of a dwelling.