Like many others, I have been left baffled and frustrated by the fact that we, as taxpayers, are paying for wind turbines to be turned off. It's nonsensical that while the construction of new wind farms is underway, we are forced to financially support existing, and perfectly functional ones, when they are purposely left idle. This practice not only undermines our hard-earned money but also questions the effectiveness of renewable energy policies. 

Wind farm constraints continue to rise, both in total volume and in cost. In 2024 the consumer paid more than £393 million in direct costs - and very much more than this in indirect costs – to discard 8.3 TWh of wind energy.

By comparison, in 2023, 4.3 TWh of wind-generated electricity was discarded at a direct cost of £310 million. (Source renewable energy foundation).

The indefensibly high rewards for constraints continue to incentivise wind farm development in areas of the UK that have low demand and weak grid connection, resulting in high constraints.

The bulk of the additional volume and cost of constraints is due to the ever-increasing number of Scottish wind farms being sited remote from areas of demand: more than 98% of the total constrained volume arises from Scottish wind farms.

This contradictory policy is not justifiable in the face of tangible environmental needs and the concept of resource efficiency. Let's use our voice to demand transparency and reform of these contracts, which should rightfully redirect these funds towards energy initiatives truly requiring them. I urge you to join me in calling on our government to stop these unnecessary and costly payments. It's time to review and reassess the future engagements of our taxpayers' money. Please sign this petition and show your support for this cause.

Please also see link showing the cumulative payments made so far in 2025. https://wastedwind.energy/2025-03-04?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR06NMW1Vi5ovH8StTg1fvw7iR1bMc_kf7s-GVu5Pko7pm87NHp_okEoL34_aem_qsMy821tuXnSc48rLQ4uIA