Twenty years of electricity distribution under public control

The paper forms a broad survey and appraisal of progress in the public distribution of electricity in Great Britain since the industry was nationalised in 1948. A statistical analysis of the principal growth features including sales, finance and persons employed is presented. Some assessment of the progress made and the present state of development is derived from international comparisons, by considering the relative growth of public supply and private generation, and by comparing the production and use of electrical energy with other fuels, i.e. coal, gas and oil. The comparative performance of individual UK area boards is assessed on selected criteria. The statistics are presented in diagrammatic form for each of the two decades since 1948 to give some indication of trends. The authors describe the UK electricity-supply organisation, with brief references to the negotiating and consultative machinery. Changes in the pattern of area-board administration are noted, with particular reference to the evolution of district management units. The paper also deals with technical changes and progress. Reference is made to the standardisation of systems and of the underlying principles and practice of system planning, and some of the more important changes in design of distribution switchgear, transformers, cables, overhead lines and metering equipment. Improvements in constructional techniques and in operation and maintenance of the systems are also noted. A Section on research and development traces the expansion of these activities, and lists a few of the more important projects undertaken.