Stroud Supports Berkeley Vale Wind Park, shows NOP poll

04 January 2011

An independent survey of 500 residents in Stroud District has shown overwhelming support for Ecotricity’s plans for four windmills to make green electricity in the local area.

The poll was conducted by telephone by research company GfK NOP, amongst people living in the GL5 postcode and within 10km (6 miles) of the proposed wind park at Berkley Vale. It found that:

• Two-thirds (66%) support Ecotricity’s proposals for a wind park at Berkeley Vale, with just 12% against
• Two-thirds say they’d be happy to live within 3 miles (5km) of a wind turbine
• Three-quarters are in favour of making more use of wind energy in the UK

And this is despite the survey also finding a widespread underestimation of the number of homes a typical modern windmill can power.  Over half (58%) of those taking part in the survey underestimated the figure – almost a third (31%) thought the figure was less than 250 homes’ worth, when in fact such windmills each typically produce five times that amount – roughly enough for 1,200 average homes.

Further findings - when asked about the characteristics of wind turbines:

• 42% said wind turbines were attractive, while 22% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 46% felt they were efficient at making energy
• An overwhelming 83% said that they were beneficial for the environment
• 39% disagreed with the statement that wind energy was not cost-effective (26% said they didn’t know, 23% agreed)

Dale Vince, founder and MD of Ecotricity, said:

“This survey shows that the vast majority of Stroud people are keen on the idea of wind energy, they want to see more windmills in Stroud – and specifically at Berkeley Vale.

“We consistently see the same story in our work in other parts of the country. 

“The other consistent story is this – when plans for windmills are unveiled, the small minority of people who are strongly opposed are the only people that the media or the council planning committees hear from or about.  The vast majority of people who support the idea or who are untroubled by it – remain silent.  That’s human nature.  The problem comes when planning committee members don’t recognise this.

“We see this too often, the small loud minority being mistaken for the voice of the people.  And planning committee members feeling they have to refuse a project; even when officers of the planning department recommend consent – on the mistaken pretext of public opposition.

“With this survey we’ve shown very clearly that there is an unarguable and considerable majority in favour of more windmills in Stroud and specifically at Berkley Vale. Our sincere hope is that planning committee members will take heed of this, more true representation of the voice of the people – and consent some new windmills to power Stroud.”

Ecotricity’s proposals for four wind turbines at Berkeley Vale would provide enough electricity for the equivalent usage of over 7,000 homes, equal to one in every six in Stroud District. It would also save over 10,000 tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide) going into the atmosphere every year. Before submitting its plans, Ecotricity spent a number of months conducting detailed environmental studies as part of the planning process. As a result, the number of windmills in the proposals was reduced from eight to four.

Ecotricity was founded in Stroud 15 years’ ago as the world’s first green electricity company. It now employs 170 people in Stroud and powers 44,000 homes and businesses in the UK from its fleet of 51 windmills - and is the only energy supplier supported by Oxfam and the Soil Association.

 Ends

For more information, please contact:

press.office@ecotricity.co.uk

Mike Cheshire on (01453) 769373, or Ellen Blundell on (01453) 769318

About Ecotricity

Ecotricity currently supplies over 44,000 homes and businesses in the UK with green electricity and gas, and is the only energy supplier supported by Oxfam and the Soil Association

Ecotricity has built and operates 51 windmills at 15 Wind Parks across the UK, which together save over 50,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions going into the atmosphere every year.

In the six years to 2009, Ecotricity invested an average of £387 per customer, per year, in new sources of green electricity. This is more than all of the other energy suppliers in the UK put together.

About GfK NOP

GfK NOP is the second largest research company in the UK, and the largest specialising in ad hoc research, with annual UK-based turnover exceeding £90 million and employing 600+ staff.  Our sole business is market and social research.  We are structured around sectors, providing specialist research and insight, and this work was carried out by the Social and Public Sector Unit.

GfK NOP offers full service quantitative and qualitative research.  Our work is largely bespoke, with researchers working closely with clients to tailor solutions to individual requirements.  We keep updated with policy and research methods to add insight and value for our clients. 

GfK NOP’s headquarters are located in London.  Further information can be found at http://www.gfknop.com/