As mentioned in an earlier column, Lundy was the first place in England to instal a standalone wind generator. The effect on island life and economy was unprecedented. Prior to wind power, electricity generation was limited to small generators based in the village, Old Light and the Castle. All the machines were controlled by time clocks and power was only available from 7 in the morning until midday and from 5 in the afternoon (4pm in winter) till midnight. These machines were old and often very overloaded, causing regular power cuts. The power available was only sufficient to provide lighting and for small electrical equipment. The use of washing machines was limited and even work in the offices came to a halt on dull days. Refrigerators were gas and many letting properties only had gas lighting. Forty-watt light bulbs were dished out by the island Agent only on return of a failed unit. The smell and dampness caused by bottled gas was in every building.

In November 1982 all of this began to change. When the wind blew, power was in abundance. New cabling was laid to all buildings except Tibbets and properties were fitted with controlled storage heaters. Back-up diesel generators were housed in one building along with wind/diesel distribution equipment. An interesting development was the installation of a power bank of storage batteries with an inverter, providing uninterrupted electricity to the island offices.

A partnership with Calor Alternative technology resulted in an experimental heat store which utilised surplus wind energy to heat a salt solution which changed from solid to liquid at a predetermined temperature. Useful heat was drawn off via wet heating systems as required.

Islanders eagerly welcomed windy conditions, which were not rare on Lundy, as these occasions meant 24-hour power, no restrictions on power usage and warm dry houses including those let for holidays. One of the highlights was to be able to watch Saturday sports programmes on TV.

The island tavern was fitted with an indicator which showed wind speed, direction and power generated. This was helpful in highlighting when power was available for household chores such as washing. It also indicated a dropping wind as a few seconds of darkness would ensue until the back-up generators kicked in. It also meant that the engineer could monitor the system from the tavern! The system operated successfully until 1996.