A brief timeline of Great Britain's electricity industry

2024

Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station closes, marking the final use of coal power in Britain.

2019

More electricity is generated from renewable resources than fossil fuels.

2018

The Domestic Gas and Electricity Tariff Cap Act 2018 is introduced, insulating consumers from high energy costs.

2010

The Energy Act 2010 is introduced, aiming to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, high-efficiency economy.

2008

The Energy Act 2008 introduces smart meters and the renewable obligation, supporting renewable electricity generation.

2005

Annual electricity demand peaks at just under 400 TWh.

2004

The Energy Act 2004 forms the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

2000

The Utilities Act 2000 establishes the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem).

1990

The Central Electricity Generating Board is privatised.

The strongest ever 'TV pickup' occurs at 2.8 GW following England’s loss to Germany in the World Cup semi-finals.

1989

The Electricity Act 1989 instructs privatisation and introduces the fossil fuel levy.

1988

Adoption of the EU Large Combustion Plant Directive to combat acid rain.

1986

Interconnexion France Angleterre (IFA 2000) commissioned with a capacity of 2 GW.

1979

Gas turbines begin use as primary power sources.

1978

Nuclear Safeguards and Electricity (Finance) Act 1978 and Economy 7 tariff introduced.

1976

Hinkley Point B and Hunterston B power stations open using advanced gas-cooled reactors.

1974

The miners strikes and dependance on coal power results in electricity rationing for businesses – a three-day working week enforced for three months.

Drax power station commissions its first 660 MW turbo-alternators.

1973

North Wales Hydro Electric Power Act enables construction of Dinorwig (the Electric Mountain).

1969

West Burton A power station opens, the first power station with 2 GW output.

1966

Ferrybridge C power station becomes the first to use 500 MW turbo-alternators.

1965

First phase of the 400 kV supergrid is commissioned.

1963

Blyth B power station becomes the first to use 275 MW turbo-alternators.

1962

First Magnox nuclear power stations commissioned (Berkeley and Bradwell).

1959

High Marnham power station becomes Europe’s largest power station at 1 GW.

1957

Electricity Act 1957 establishes the Central Electricity Generating Board.

1956

Castle Donnington power station becomes the first to use 100 MW turbo-alternators.

1955

North Wales Hydro-Electric Power Act enables Ffestiniog and Rheidol hydroelectric schemes.

1953

First phase of the 275 kV supergrid is commissioned.

1952

The first high voltage direct current link, Interconnexion France Angleterre (IFA 160), is commissioned between France and England with a capacity of 160 MW.

1947

Electricity Act 1947 nationalises electricity generation and transmission.

1933

The 132 kV electricity network becomes fully interconnected.

1926

Electricity (Supply) Act 1926 standardises electricity transmission at 132 kV and 50 Hz.

1919

Electricity (Supply) Act 1919 creates the Electricity Commission.

1882

Edison Electric Light Station opens at Holborn Viaduct (the world’s first coal-fired power station), London.

1882

Deptford Power Station opens, the first single-phase AC power system, designed by Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti.

1881

Using hydroelectricity, Godalming, Surrey, becomes the first location in the world to have a public electrical system for street lighting housing.