North Wales Hydro-Electric Power Act 1955 Explained

The North Wales Hydro-Electric Power Act 1955 (4 Eliz. 2. Ch. xxv) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom which gave powers to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to build the hydro-electric stations at Ffestiniog and Rheidol in North Wales and associated purposes.

Background

The Central Electricity Authority had a statutory duty to develop and maintain an electricity supply in England and Wales. In order to meet increasing demand for electricity there was a need to construct and operate new works for generating electricity.^[1] This Act gave powers to the CEA to build the hydro-electric stations at Ffestiniog and Rheidol in North Wales

North Wales Hydro-Electric Power Act 1955

The North Wales Hydro-Electric Power Act 1955 received Royal Assent on 27 July 1955. Its long title is ‘An Act to confer powers upon the Central Electricity Authority for the construction and erection of works and generating stations in the counties of Merioneth, Cardigan and Montgomery and for the acquisition of lands and easements for the purposes thereof or in connection therewith and for other purposes.’^[2]

Provisions

The Act comprises 52 Sections

Section 1 Short title
Section 2 Incorporation of Acts
Section 3 Interpretation
Section 4 Power to execute works
Section 5 As to construction of Works Nos 2 and 20
Section 6 Power to deviate
Section 7 Subsidiary works
Section 8 Construction of fish ladders
Section 9 Diversion of footpaths and stopping up of highways
Section 10 Works to form part of undertaking
Section 11 Power to dredge etc.
Section 12 Temporary stoppage of roads and footpaths
Section 13 Period for completion of works
Section 14 Discharge of water into streams
Section 15 Accommodation for workmen employed on construction of works
Section 16 Power to take and use water
Section 17 Compensation water in respect of Ffestiniog works
Section 18 Compensation water in respect of Rheidol works
Section 19 Restriction on taking water in respect of Rheidol works
Section 20 Provisions applicable to last three preceding sections of Act
Section 21 Agreements with statutory water undertakers and others
Section 22 Making good diminution in water supplies used for domestic or agricultural purposes
Section 23 Laying of pipes for affording or making good water supplies
Section 24 Agreements with Aberystwyth Corporation
Section 25 Fencing and crossing of aqueducts
Section 26 For the preservation of scenery and amenities
Section 27 For prevention of pollution
Section 28 Removal of submerged buildings and trees
Section 29 Power to acquire lands and construct generating stations
Section 30 Correction of errors in deposited plans and book of reference
Section 31 Acquisition of part only of certain properties
Section 32 Power to expedite entry
Section 33 Power to enter for survey of valuation
Section 34 Disregard of recent improvements and interests
Section 35 Extinction of private rights of way
Section 36 Power to acquire easements only
Section 37 Grant of easements by persons under disability
Section 38 Liability to make compensation
Section 39 Removal of human remains
Sections 40 to 47 Protection of various organisations
Section 48 Service of notices to treat
Section 49 Saving for town and country planning
Section 50 Arbitration
Section 51 Crown rights
Section 52 Costs of Act

Table of Statutes referred to in this Act

Effects of the Act

The Act empowered the CEA to construct hydro-electric generating stations at Ffestiniog and Rheidol. By 1962 when both power stations had been commissioned, Ffestiniog had an installed capacity of 150 MW and generated 30.26 MWh in 1962, Rheidol had a capacity of 37 MW and generated 155.56 MWh that year.^[3]

Current status

Unknown.

Notes and References

Book: The Electricity Council . Electricity supply in the United Kingdom . 1987 . The Electricity Council . 085188105X . London . 70.
Web site: North Wales Hydro-Electric Power Act 1955 . 4 June 2024.
CEGB generating statistics 1962 CEGB