Power to the People

19 August 2003


Norfolk residents asked for views on new local wind projects

People living in Norfolk are being given the chance to have their say about new wind energy projects in their area. Ecotricity, who've just built a second wind turbine at Swaffham, are mailing leaflets to over 100,000 households in the Breckland District over the next few months, asking residents to vote Yes or No to new local wind turbines. People will also be given the opportunity to power their homes with electricity generated from Ecotricity's local wind turbines

The company believes there will be a resounding vote of 'Yes to local wind power' and that the positive attitudes that led to the requests for a second wind turbine at Swaffham will be reflected in the responses.

Dale Vince, Ecotricity's Managing Director, said, "We want the silent majority who support new wind power to make their views known. Often it's only the small but vocal minority that get heard and the true level of positive feeling for wind power is not apparent. A survey by Breckland District Council in 2000 showed 90% of people wanted new renewable projects. We think our poll will show a similar figure and hope that the people's voice on this important issue will be heard by decision makers."

Ecotricity has also just launched a new campaign called 'Power to Plant' with Future Forests. The campaign encourages people to switch power supply, cut down on their power consumption and reabsorb their carbon dioxide emissions by planting trees. Each new Ecotricity customer will have a tree planted on their behalf.


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