Add up figures

G Moore points out that we are paying for electricity generated by wind which we never use (Letters, 30 October).

When figures are released for the comparative cost of each type of energy I would like to be convinced that all the ­following factors are taken into account when calculating the cost of ­intermittent, unreliable wind energy.

Firstly, the constraint payments, which Mr Moore mentions, because the electricity produced cannot be used at that time.

Secondly, the cost of other plants being put on standby and working inefficiently in spinning reserve until such times as wind power fails.

Thirdly, government payments to gas plants to stay in production, because they are now inefficient, as wind power has to be taken first.

Fourthly, whether the electricity used to keep the turbines spinning at times of low wind, waiting for the wind to pick up, is actually deducted from ­output.

Fifthly, the cost of factories being paid to stop production to keep the lights on for householders during periods of low wind. Sixthly, the very high cost of paying firms and agencies with emergency generators of their own to back up the grid when wind power fails.

Seventhly, the cost of the infrastructure like the Beauly-Denny line which would not have been needed otherwise.
Eighthly, the full cost of all the subsidies from our electricity bills and taxes.

I am not personally convinced all these costs are included.

Celia Hobbs

Peebles Road

Penicuik