HC Deb 29 April 1976 vol 910 cc148-9W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Energy what is the average cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour and gas per therm: (a)for a domestic consumer and (b)to an industrial or commercial consumer.

Mr. Eadie

National average electricty prices in England and Wales in respect of Bills sent out in April were 2.0p/kWh for domestic consumers and 1.5p/kWh for industrial consumers. These bills were not affected by the recently announced basic tariff increases which apply to consumption from the first meter reading on or after 1st April.

Up-to-date average prices for gas are not readily available. The estimated average revenues from gas sales in the calendar year 1975 were 12.9p/therm for domestic consumers and 10.4p/therm for commercial consumers. The October 1975 tariff increases are only partially reflected in these figures. Sales to larger industrial and commercial consumers—of more than 100,000 therms a year—are made under special agreements the details of which are confidential. However, such contracts are currently being negotiated at prices comparable with the commercial rate above. Some contracts not yet renewed are at lower prices.

Mr. Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Energy if he will supply a breakdown of the latest selected United

SELECTED FUEL PRICES
Great Britain Northern Ireland
Gas(1)
Domestic (pence/therm) … … … … 11.6 23.0
Other (pence/therm) … … … … 4.9 20.9
Oil
Domestic heating(2) (pence/gallon) … … … … 29 29
Premium motor spirit(3) (pence/gallon) … … … … 69–80 78–80
Electricity
Domestic(4) (pence/KWh) … … … … 1.12–1.35 1.34
Industrial(5) (pence/KWh) … … … … 1.37–1.59 2.02
Industrial(6) (pence/KWh) … … … … 1.18–1.45 1.80

  1. (1) Estimated average revenue from gas sales for the year ended March 1975.
  2. (2) Deliveries of about 200 gallons, March 1976, including taxes.
  3. (3) Typical pump prices, April 1976, including taxes.
  4. (4) Annual consumption of 12,000 KWh, of which 9,000 KWh at night; representative of an all-electric household. August 1975.
  5. (5) Annual maximum demand of 500 KW at 40 per cent. load factor; representative of a single-shift working industry. August 1975.
  6. (6) Annual maximum demand of 2,500 KW at 60 per cent. load factor; representative of a two-shift working industry. August 1975.