The Electric Guide

Newspaper cutting about the introduction of electricity supply in the borough of Tiverton

This was the start of the installation of electricity in the town but it would be a long time before all homes had power at their fingertips. In 1919 6% of homes had electricity, by the end of the 1930s it was 65%. There were still a lot of homes dependent on other forms of lighting and heating. Prior to the nationalisation of electricity companies in 1948, there were many small companies serving their communities. The Museum holds several records and artefacts relating to these local companies. When the Electricity Act of 1947 was enacted the following year, the South Western Electricity Board was formed. It included 6 Devon local authority companies and 15 more local ones.

Sign reading 'Exe Valley Electricity Co. Ltd. Any Person Interfering With These Lines Or Poles Will Be Prosecuted.'

Exe Valley Electricity Co. Ltd Sign

The donor of this meter reading card found evidence that The Exe Valley Company provided electricity as far up as Dulverton.

Exe Valley Electricity Company Meter Reading Card with boxes for information about the consumer and the make of the meter.

Electricity Meter Reading Card

Reverse of the Meter Reading Card with dates from 1938 to 1945, the meter readings taken on those dates, the units consumed since previous reading and the initials of the person reading the meter.

Reverse of the Meter Reading Card. Note the low number of units consumed compared to today’s average usage.

It is interesting that they filled in the card from the bottom up which made it easier to subtract one reading from another to give the units used.

Bradninch and District Electric Supply Company Report of Directors and Statement of Accounts.

Once electricity supply to people’s homes was more widespread, the need for DIY advice became obvious. There is no date on this publication but it solves all the possible problems a home owner might come across and, importantly emphasises safety precautions.