§ 66. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Minister of Power what estimates he has made of the extent to which the construction of new power stations to deal with peak loads could be reduced if all domestic and industrial premises using electricity for heating purposes conformed to proper standards of thermal insulation and made greater use of heating appliances which consumed electricity during non-peak load hours; and whether he will formulate a plan to take account of such factors and take steps during the next 12 months towards its implementation.
§ Mr. WoodIt is impossible to estimate the effect on peak electricity demand of extending or raising the standards of thermal insulation. Standards in new houses are at present contained in the model by-laws, and will be made compulsory by building regulations, to be laid down by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. Standards for roof insulation in new industrial buildings are prescribed by the Thermal Insulation (Industrial Buildings) Regulations, 1958, made under the 1957 Act. They are designed to secure worthwhile fuel savings at reasonable capital cost. Electric storage heating can help to move demand from peak times, and Electricity Boards are continuing their efforts to extend this form of heating.