The debate about mini wind turbines to be installed by householders is a bit premature.

The merits of mini turbines designed to be fixed on a pole on the side of a house, are unproven. In terms of effectiveness and cost-efficiency, they may be a visible but expensive gesture towards renewable energy.

They may also be subject to planning permission, they don't work everywhere, have the potential to damage buildings and I doubt we will see them sprouting from the roofs of Regency terraces, as shown on your recent front page (The Argus, February 14).

The suggestion it is possible to "sell back" energy to the electricity supplier depends on their willingness to buy it. At the moment, they aren't interested.

The Government and Brighton and Hove City Council are working hard on other ways to reduce carbon emissions and renewable energy sources are being debated.

Solar panels provide hot water and power and are becoming cheaper. Photovoltaic materials, which convert solar energy directly into electricity, are effective and can be incorporated into roofs and building facades but are expensive.

Wind power from larger turbines is becoming common. Biomass boilers, which burn waste wood pellets or specially-grown grass, are relatively expensive and bulky but effective in some situations.

Wave power and combined heat and power plants show great promise, as does ground-source heat (though electricity is required to drive the heat pump).

Planning authorities will soon be demanding at least ten per cent renewable energy for building projects more than about 1,000m2. Developers are already realising people are prepared to spend more on new homes which come with a renewable-energy source.

Meanwhile, concerned householders should do what they can to reduce energy use - and, therefore, their bills - by switching appliances off instead of leaving them on stand-by, using low-energy light bulbs, installing better insulation, for which substantial grants are available, and considering a range of renewable energy sources.

-Councillor Delia Forester, vice chair, planning applications sub-committee, Queens Park ward (Labour)