Energy pipe dream

hOW can we solve the energy crisis? Many people fear they will end up thousands of pounds in debt to the energy companies or even be cut off for not keeping up with payments. Wind farms are unable to generate enough power for the number of people on this island, and it will take decades for new nuclear power stations to be built.

I looked into buying an expensive heat-source pump. The engineer said I would need between a third and half an acre of grounds to bury the pipework to get anywhere near enough power to heat my home.

The cost of installing solar panels is ever-increasing. I was advised not to have them installed without leaving at least an 8 in gap above the roofline because of the danger of the downward heat melting the underfelt beneath the tiles.

I would love to downsize to a bungalow, which would have lower energy bills, but the only homes for sale in my area are overpriced fourbedroom houses with tiny gardens.

PATRICK WICKHAM, Buckingham.