June 24, 2017
Ireland

Wind farm subsidies hiking up ESB bills

Gorey Guardian | June 24 2017 | www.independent.ie

A motion calling on the government to withdraw its subsidy through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy for wind energy farms was supported by councillors.

Cllr John Fleming said due to the huge amount of applications being granted for solar farms throughout the country and the probability that they will be subsidised through the the PSO levy that councillors should call on the government to withdraw the subsidy for the development of wind farms who, he said, by now should be capable of self financing and not increase the PSO levy.

Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan said she has spoken to the owner of a wind farm who told her it takes up to a decade before the energy farms start making an income for their owners.

‘A lot of money gets tied up in banks and institutions,’ Cllr Codd Nolan said.

Cllr Robbie Ireton said: ‘Why is the same company paying off the communities to accept them in.’

Cllr Fleming expressed concern that ESB bills could double if wind farm developers continue to be subsidised.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/06/24/wind-farm-subsidies-hiking-up-esb-bills/