An idiot's guide to green power

You wait years for plans to green Britain's energy supply, then two come along at once. A fortnight ago Ed Miliband, the Climate Secretary, confirmed generous payments for home solar panel and wind turbine systems (while removing grants for their installation).

And this week the energy regulator, Ofgem, launched a certificate scheme for green energy tariffs. Both schemes could have transformed Britain's poor record on renewable power. At present only 5 per cent of UK power comes from renewable sources, while 2 per cent of energy customers are on "green" tariffs.

So will these two initiatives lead to low-carbon power for the people – and what's in it for you? First, don't bother generating your own electricity or buying a "green" tariff until you have stopped energy leaking from your home; it's like pumping fuel into a car without fixing a hole in the petrol tank.

 

www.independent.co.uk