Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to make temporary provision for controlling the production, supply, acquisition and use of certain substances and of electricity; and for purposes connected with those matters |
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| Citation | 1973 chapter 67 |
| Introduced by | Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Peter Walker 26 November 1973 (Second Reading) (Commons) |
| Territorial extent | United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 6 December 1973 |
| Commencement | On Royal Assent |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | Continuation Orders 1974 and 1975 |
| Repealed by | Energy Act 1976 |
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Status: Repealed
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The Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 was a special law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It gave the government, specifically the Secretary of State, temporary power to control how fuel and electricity were made, supplied, bought, and used across the country. This included oil, other fuels, and electricity.
Contents
Why Was This Law Needed?
In 1973, there were big worries about energy supplies in the UK. A war in the Middle East, known as the Yom Kippur War, made oil supplies uncertain. This also caused oil prices to go up a lot.
At the same time, workers in the UK's electricity and coal industries were on strike. This meant there wasn't enough fuel or power for everyone. To deal with these problems, the government needed a way to manage energy use.
What the Act Allowed
The Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 became law on December 6, 1973. Its main goal was to temporarily control how people used fuel and electricity. This included petroleum (oil), products made from oil, and any other substance used as fuel. It also covered the production and use of electricity.
The law gave the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry the power to make rules about these things.
How the Act Changed Daily Life
This law allowed the government to introduce strict rules to save energy. One of the most famous changes was the Three-Day Week. From December 17, 1973, many businesses and factories could only use electricity for three days a week.
Shops and offices also had limits on electricity. They could only use power in the morning or the afternoon, not all day. There were also times when the electricity supply was reduced or cut off completely.
How Long the Act Lasted
The Act was first planned to last for one year. However, the energy problems continued. So, the law was extended twice:
- In 1974, by the Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 (Continuation) Order 1974.
- In 1975, by the Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 (Continuation) Order 1975.
When the Act Ended
The Fuel and Electricity (Control) Act 1973 was eventually cancelled in the United Kingdom by the Energy Act 1976. This new law took its place.
However, the 1973 Act continued to be used in the Crown Dependencies, which are special territories linked to the UK. It stayed in force in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man for several more years.
See also
