STROUD already has plenty of satisfied green energy customers who have made the switch to Ecotricity.

Sheila Neilsen is one customer who switched to the wind power electricity generating company, which employs 150 people in the town.

"I like the idea that they are green and they are local," said Sheila, 88.

"And it's nice to be able to deal with someone locally."

She believes that wind turbines are preferable to power stations.

Sheila, a retired teacher who lives in a retirement flat in Acre Street, said: "I like the idea of wind turbines.

"You can take them away when you don't want them any more.

"And they are quite artistically pleasing."

Ben Spencer, who lives in Cainscross Road with his partner Alison Coles and two young daughters, said he switched to Ecotricity three years ago because of the company's investment in renewable sources of power.

"I felt that was very positive and they were also a local company which we wanted to support," said Ben, who is about to start a PhD in urban design.

"Since then we've had good service from them." He added: "We are very keen on the 5050 idea, the principle of generating power locally and it's great that Ecotricity is pushing for that in Stroud."

■ If you want to find out more about the tariffs or switching to Ecotricity, ring for free on 08000 302 302 or email home@ ecotricity.co.uk for home user inquiries or businesses can ring 08452 306 102 or email business@ecotricity.co.uk.