Metropolis Gas Act 1860

The Metropolis Gas Act 1860 (23 & 24 Vict. c. 125) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Bill for this Act was the Gas (Metropolis) Bill. The Metropolis Gas Act 1860 regulated the operation of gas supply companies in London.

As to the effect of the Gas Light and Coke Company's Act 1868 and the City Gas Act 1868 on this Act, see ''Gas Light and Coke Company v Vestry of St George's.

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.

Section 6
As to this section, see Gaslight and Coke Company v South Metropolitan Gas Company.

Section 14
This section, from "Provided that it shall not be lawful" to the end of this section, was repealed by section 1 of, and the Schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1875, because it was spent.

Section 36
This section, from "provided that" to the end of this section, was repealed by section 1 of, and the Schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1875, because it was spent.

Section 56
This section was repealed by section 1 of, and the Schedule to, the Statute Law Revision Act 1875, because it was spent.

Outcome
The Metropolis 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.

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.