The regulation of supply of gas en Spain (1841-1936)

Abstract

This work sets out to analyse how the supply of gas in Spain was regulated between 1842 and 1936. Three aspects are studied: 1) Legislation related to this activity; 2) The contracts that were signed between gas companies and city councils and the relationships between both,and 3) Competition with electricity. Additionally, three stages are defined: 1) 1841-1880; 2)1880-1913, and 3) 1941-1936. Between 1841 and 1859 we see the consolidation of standard contracts with city councils. Between 1860 and 1870 changes were incorporated into contracts with city councils to ensure better service. At the same time a series of standards related to gas meters were passed, together with some related to city councils’ contributions to public lighting. The decade of the 1880s was marked by the appearance of electricity. From the beginning of the 20th century to 1913 central government sought to guarantee the regularity and continuity of supply, and from 1914 to 1936 there was greater intervention by the state.