PEOPLE living near Delabole wind farm have reason to celebrate after receiving a special payment, thanks to the high performance of the turbines over the last 12 months.

Renewable energy supplier Good Energy, which owns the wind farm, is crediting the £35 ‘windfall’ payment to the accounts of households signed up to its ‘Delabole Local’ tariff.

The Delabole Local tariff, which is 20% cheaper than the company’s standard electricity tariff, was opened up to people living within 2km of the site in January 2013. As part of the deal, customers were guaranteed a windfall payment if the turbines produce more electricity than expected each year.

Good Energy’s head of innovation Will Vooght said: “Wind conditions have been favourable again this year at Delabole and, for the second year in a row, it means that the turbines have delivered more clean electricity than projected.

“We’re over the moon to share the success with our customers, who are supporting local renewable energy and making their own contribution to tackling climate change. I hope that the people of Delabole feel a sense of pride about it.”

Local people have also been enjoying the benefits of the Delabole Wind Farm Community Fund, which provides over £9,000 per year in grants to groups and organisations close by.

In July, Delabole Cricket Club took delivery of new jackets and polo shirts for the players paid for by the fund. Meanwhile, the players from Delabole Football Club are sporting new tracksuits, which were also paid for via a grant from the fund.

Mr Vooght said: “The local community really support Delabole Wind Farm and the fund is our way of saying thank you to them. The new sportswear looks really smart.”

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week’s edition of the Post.