Metropolitan Gas Act 1860

The Metropolitan Gas Act 1860 (also Metropolis Gas Act 1860) was a United Kingdom Act of Parliament that regulated the operation of gas supply companies in London.

Background

The use of coal gas for illumination and heating had expanded since its invention in the early 18th century by William Murdoch, a Scottish engineer. By the middle of the nineteenth century there were nearly one thousand gas companies within Great Britain with thirteen in London. Increasing competition had led to falling dividends and by the 1850s the industry welcomed change.

The act

The Metropolitan Gas Act 1860 ended the severe competition and encroachment on rival companies' gas supply areas. It permitted companies to arrange for the monopoly lighting of allotted districts.

The act included the first attempt to produce a standard measure for energy supply when it defined the term candle power.

Outcome

The monopoly status of the gas companies led to overcharging and abuse resulting in a public outcry. A select committee was formed to decide on the best response, and as a result the City of London Gas Act 1868 (quickly extended to cover the entire metropolitan area) tried to regularise this by forcing the remaining gas companies to open their accounts to public view.

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References

"Chartered Gas Light and Coke Company". London Metropolitan Archives. The National Archives. 1823–1894. pp. LMA/4438. Retrieved 2009-05-12.

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