HC Deb 27 July 1979 vol 971 cc577-9W
Mr. Rathbone

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he estimates that there would be a more even energy load throughout the day by the adoption of Summer time from October to April even

if no absolute energy savings were to be anticipated thereby reducing the need for a certain amount of electricity generating capacity.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The effect of an extension of BST from October to April on the requirement for new generating capacity to meet peak demand is uncertain. From 1968–69 to 1970–71 there does appear to have been some reduction in peak demand although it is difficult to distinguish the effect of BST from other factors applying at the time. Operating circumstances have changed since then and I am therefore asking the electricity supply industry to study the effects further.

Mr. Rathbone

asked the Secretary of State for Energy to give the equivalent gallon of petrol and ton of coal for the 0.5 per cent, electricity saving from the adoption of double summer time from April to October referred to in his answer to the hon. Member for Lewes on 20 July.

Mr. Norman Lamont

On the basis of the estimated saving in electricity consumption of 0.5 per cent, in the period April-October, a saving in fuel used for electricity generation of about 250,000 tonnes of coal or 150,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil could be made. In terms of energy content these savings would represent about 40 million gallons of petrol but, because of the type of oil used for electricity generation, it would be wrong to assume that this amount of additional petrol could be made available. The overall savings represent less than 0.2 per cent, of coal, less than 0.5 per cent, of heavy fuel oil, and less than 0.08 per cent. of total primary energy consumed in the country in 1978. However, for the reasons given in my answer to my hon. Friend on 20 July, it is unlikely that savings even of this order would be realised in practice.