EMMA Lloyd (Letters, August 14) laments the fact that we have no say in how banks spend our money on coal, oil and gas, but has nothing to say about the billions seized from electricity consumers (irrespective of their ability to pay), to bankroll ineffective, unreliable and costly wind-generated electricity.

We rely upon fossil fuels – and will continue to do so – because in winter, when there is a high-pressure system sitting over the British Isles, we get low temperatures and still air conditions.

Last winter was proof of the unreliability of wind-generated electricity, when the actual availability at demand peak was just 9%, compared with 100% for oil-fired power stations. Without fossil fuels, the country would have descended into chaos.

The extraction of coal, oil and gas is not the root cause of poverty and displacement.

Poverty is caused by unemployment, poor education, and in certain countries, corruption and greed. Displacement is mainly caused by political, cultural or religious unrest. On the other hand, reliable, cost-effective energy – from coal, oil and gas – creates employment and lifts people out of poverty, so don’t blame the bankers.

　WILLIAM O’BRIEN Llangolman Pembrokeshire