Wind turbines see Edgworth farmer's energy bills fall (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Wind turbines see Edgworth farmer's energy bills fall

10:36am Tuesday 8th May 2012 in North Turton By Jessica Cree, Education reporter

AN ENTERPRISING dairy farmer has said he has seen his energy bills slashed by 85per cent since he installed two wind turbines.

Andy Paton, who runs Birches Farm, at Edgworth, near Darwen, with his father John, had the turbines put up a year ago, and said that since then, he has seen his electricity costs tumble.

In the last 11 months, the 18metre turbines, on tubular towers just over 100 metres apart, have generated 49,000 kilowatts of electricity, helping the farm, which has 120 milking cows, make big savings.

Plans for wind turbine developments have been met with controversy in Darwen.

Proposals for an 88.5metre structure at Pleasant View Farm, off Bolton Road, Bull Hill, were withdrawn in March, after residents campaigned against it.

Protesters also hit out at plans for three turbines on land between Hoddlesden and Edgworth last month.

But Andy said he supported the Government’s plans to push the renewable energy source, which he believes would make a major contribution to meeting Britain’s future energy needs.

Andy, 43, said the turbines would eventually provide an added income for the business.

He said: “Obviously, they have got to be paid for first and this is a substantial investment.

“It is about securing energy prices and there is only one way that they are going.

“If we don’t do something, there is a very real danger of the lights being turned off in the not too distant future.”

Phil McVan, managing director of Myriad CEG Wind, which installed the turbines on Andy’s farm, said supermarkets were putting enormous pressure on UK farmers and that many were looking to use their land to generate an income in another way.

He said: “The potential is there for many more farmers to get involved and to cash in on the benefits wind turbines can bring to them.”

Andy will be hosting an open day on May 15, from noon to 7pm, at his farm, in Bury Road, Edgworth, to explain the advantages of wind energy.

To register, send an email to charlie.guthrie@myriad ceg.com or call 0203 056 0873.

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