Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

A record figure was paid out last month to wind farms.

National Grid made the 'constraint payments' to 27 wind farms because it wasn't able to use their electricity at the time it was being generated.

Analysis by the Renewable Energy Foundation shows that such payments have risen rapidly over the past four years.

£32 million was paid out last year compared to £6 million in 2012 and £174,000 in 2010.

At the end of the day, these payents are passed on to us - the consumer.