WITH regard to the article on energy sharing (Energy-sharing idea for York, The Press, April 26), I for one would welcome any ideas which will reduce our power bills.

However, I think the idea of neighbouring properties having wind turbines in their gardens might prove controversial.

One assumes that Andrew Waller, of the council's executive, would be willing to have a wind turbine in his garden.

I say practise what you preach, then we may all follow his example.

Having made my observations I could do with a little more energy. If I am to negotiate my way round the windmill whilst cutting the lawn, does this come with the package, or do I need a prescription?

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.


* MANY people at home or at work have no incentive to save energy, as they do not pay for the energy they use or waste.

This situation might be rectified by setting up energy saving pacts, that would give all people incentives to save energy.

All such pacts would take as their baseline the current quarterly or annual units of energy consumed, and share the benefits of reduced bills between the pact members.

In the home, adults and children would agree to share the savings in energy bills between them.

It would be expected that if one child rebelled against the pact, the other family members would bring pressure to bear to co-operate. Indeed, penalties might be imposed, where no share in the savings was awarded, or in extreme cases money might be deducted from allowances or pocket money for blatant waste of energy.

In work situations similar baselines would be established, and the savings shared between the employer and the workforce.

The employer might promise to use all or part of his or her savings by investing in further energy saving schemes. The employees' share of the savings might be used to enhance staff facilities or by agreement be donated to a charity.

It is not possible to list all potential savings, as they vary depending on location and activity, but the Energy Saving Trust should be able to give advice.

Schools should set up pacts and use them as an educational tool. For example, senior students might be set the task of calculating the carbon footprint of cars conveying them to and from school, and the potential pollution savings if all walked, cycled or used public transport.

Once the pacts are established, they might be expanded to include better use of stationery, equipment and transport.

J M Purves, Crossways, Badger Hill, York.