Engineers in Power: 75 Years of the EPEA

Judy Slinn

The Electrical Power Engineers’ Association came into existence in 1913, during the early years of the electricity supply industry. This publication marks the 75th anniversary of the organisation, and charts the important role it has played in the development of a key sector of the modern economy.

The EPEA has actively participated in all stages of the development of electricity supply, including the gradual rationalisation of the industry, which culminated in the establishment of the National Grid through nationalisation in 1947. The wheel has now turned full circle, and the EPEA is currently playing a crucial role in the debates on electricity privatisation.

This professional composition makes for a fascinating history, particularly in the early days as members struggled to come to terms with the very idea of joining a union, and then with the notion of strikes and affiliation to the TUC. The changing nature of the workforce means that professional workers are becoming an increasingly important part of the trade union movement. Engineers in Power provides an illuminating historical account of one part of this development.

Judy Slinn is a freelance writer who has worked on the history of the electricity supply industry and has written histories of a number of organisations and firms.

Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Introduction

1. Origins and Early Years
2. Resurrection and Re-formation: The Electrical Power Engineers’ Association
3. From the Stoker Award to the Schedule
4. Trade Union or Association?
5. 1926 – The General Strike and the Grid
6. The Grid, and the Depression
7. From War to Nationalisation
8. The Years of Expansion
9. From Reform Towards Recession
10. The Association at 75 years old

Appendix 1: Technical note
Appendix 2: Presidents of the Association
Appendix 3: General Secretaries of the EPEA
Appendix 4: A Note on Sources
Index

ISBN 0 85315 705 7 Paperback
ISBN 9780853157052
OUT OF PRINT