What Does the History of Electricity in Homes in the UK Tell Us?

From the brightest of city lights to an agricultural revolution, electricity has been a major driving force for societal progress in the United Kingdom. It’s easy for us to take for granted how far we have come since the days of kerosene lamps and open fires, especially considering that electricity in homes in the UK is now a standard part of life. But it wasn’t always so convenient.

In the late 1800s, a number of battles raged between rival power companies, each eager to bring electricity to their customers. The Electricity Supply Act of 1926 brought a measure of consolidation and order to the industry, and by the 1950s, approximately 40% of British households had electrical power. In the decades that followed, the National Grid was developed and nuclear power stations were built, bringing with them unprecedented levels of electricity production.

The Development and Provision of Electricity in the UK

The first public electricity supply in the UK was established in 1882 by the London Electric Supply Company (LESCo). LESCo’s power station, located in Deptford, powered street lights and illuminated the Royal Albert Hall for its opening concert in 1871. Further developments saw the production and distribution of electricity expand rapidly, and by 1901, around 30 firms were supplying electricity to over a million homes across England, Scotland and Wales. The development of power grids enabled electricity to cover the country more quickly, however supplies were still uneven, and some rural areas were left behind.

The Expansion of Domestic Electricity in the UK

As electricity grew in popularity in the early 20th century, the state began to take an increasing interest in the industry. The Electricity (Supply) Act of 1926 was the first piece of legislation to create a unified system of electric power. This act also furthered the government’s role in setting electricity prices, forming regional electricity boards and authorizing the national grid.

In 1947, the National Coal Board was formed, which allowed for greater regulation of coal-generated electricity. Coal was the primary source of electricity production in the UK until the discovery of North Sea oil and gas in the late 1960s. This discovery meant that less financial strain was put on the coal industry, as electricity could now be generated more cheaply from these new energy sources.

Electricity Today in the UK

Today, the use of electricity in the UK is ubiquitous and nearly 95% of all households are connected to the National Grid. However, this isn’t to say that the electricity industry has not evolved further. New technologies such as solar photovoltaic cells, battery storage and wind turbines mean that running costs can be reduced even further. Moreover, recent academic research has seen the emergence of the ‘smart grid’, a system in which electricity demand can be better matched to supply by using digital technologies.

While wide-scale adoption of these smart grids is unlikely to happen in the near future, it demonstrates the fact that electricity in homes in the UK is still evolving and adapting to meet the needs of consumers. By understanding the history of electricity in the UK, we can appreciate how far we have come and how much it has changed our lives.

At What Point Did Electricity Become Commonplace In English Homes And How Would It Have Been Installed They Light Switches As We Know Them Today Usage