[JonF]

I'm not sure how many people turned out last night but for a small community it was very impressive. The balloon flying at 125m was a chilling example of just how high an industrial wind turbine is and a visual argument that is hard to counter. Standing an estimated 500m away from the base of the balloon tether really brings it home to you just what an impact one of these installations will have on the poor folk living that close.

The demonstration was probably the easiest task the local bobby had all year, although deeply concerned most people were chatting away happily and generally being pleasant villagers.

It did occur to me that energy companies should not be lulled into a false sense of security by this demeanour, nor focus on the sometimes fanatical protest groups. Below the surface of a pleasant gathering of middle aged country folk lies a group of influential business people and political activists in the very British sense of the phrase. These are not people to throw eggs or chain themselves to the nearest pylon. They are however the people who can influence the choice of utility provider for large companies or groups of companies. They do have the ear of poiticians on the golf course or at campaign fund raising events. They are not loud but they do know how to get things done.

It's probably just an idle fancy on a warm autumn evening but I would not at all be surprised to see the fortunes of the more 'insensitive' power companies wane somewhat over the next decade.

JonF.