Electricity Consumption

HC Deb 15 January 1974 vol 867 cc53-4W

Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister for Energy by what proportion electricity consumption has been reduced in the last six weeks and the equivalent tonnage of coal this represents.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

Over the six-week period from 25th November to 12th January electricity consumption has been reduced as a result of voluntary economies and statutory restrictions. Electricity consumption in the week ending 1st December in England and Wales was already 14 per cent. below that expected from consumption earlier in the year. By the week ending 12th January the level of consumption had been reduced to 20 per cent. below the expected value after weather correction had been made. The accumulated amount over 25th November to 12th January is equivalent to a saving in primary fuel of 2 million tons of coal or coal equivalent over the period.

Mr. Spearing

asked the Minister for Energy what consultations he has had with representatives of industrial interests concerning limiting industrial undertakings to a given percentage of usual electricity consumption as an alternative to the three-day week measure ; and what reasons he has for believing that monitoring this system would not work.

MAKE-UP OF THE PRICE OF COAL
			Estimated average prices (£/ton)
Consumer Group	Date		Pit price	Transport from pit	Distribution charge	Total price
Electricity undertakings	1st January 1966	…	3.62	0.65	0.00	4.27
	1st January 1970	…	4.23	0.67	0.00	4.90
	1st January 1973	…	6.00	0.67	0.00	6.67
Industrial consumers*	1st January 1966	…	4.51
	1st January 1970	…	4.95		Not available
	1st January 1973	…	7.21
Domestic consumers	1st January 1966	…	6.14	1.42	2.80	10.36
	1st January 1970	…	7.25	1.67	4.53	13.45
	1st January 1973	…	9.60	2.01	5.90	17.51
* Excluding coke ovens and iron and steel industry.

Sources: National Coal Board, Central Electricity Generating Board and South of Scotland Electricity Board.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

My Department and the Department of Trade and Industry have had wide consultations with industrial and commercial interests about the possibility of introducing greater flexibility, including limiting undertakings to a given percentage of their normal consumption, into the present electricity restrictions. The electricity industry advises, however, that it would not be practicable to monitor such a system.