‘No Solution to the Immediate Crisis’: The Uncertain Political Economy of Energy Conservation in 1970s Britain

This article traces one aspect of Britain's approach to the political economy energy conservation. It focuses on forecasting work Royal Dutch Shell and deliberations Heath government. In late 1960s, oil major predicted that oil-producing states would impose an embargo oil-consuming states. Energy conservation policies be necessary. tracing reception Shell's ‘crisis’ scenario its proposed resolution, this details how these ideas were received by Edward Heath's Conservative government, particularly ‘think-tank’, Central Policy Review Staff. short term, interventionist so as demonstrate ability operate without ever-increasing consumption, while in long term idea was energy-saving capacities a freely-operating market could address problem. The recounts confusion provoked, second gradually coalesced ultimately outlasted providing justification for eventual privatisation formerly nationalised industries.