The oil-engine stations were operated by a succession of private and public owners prior to the nationalisation of the British electricity industry in 1948.
The power stations were redeveloped as a group in the 1950s as demand for electricity grew and old plant was replaced.
[1] The following year the Provisional Order was transferred to the Alderley and Wilmslow Electric Supply Company Limited.
The company, which was registered 23 April 1896, built power stations at Heyes Lane, Alderley Edge and at Wilmslow, Cheshire.
[5] An oil driven plant was built at Ashwood Dale, Buxton and continued to operate until the 1950s when it was replaced.
Macclesfield Corporation was granted a Provisional Order to generate and supply electricity in 1901.
[6] An oil-engine driven plant was built at George Street, Macclesfield, Cheshire.
The power station was vested in the British Electricity Authority, and the distribution and sales functions of the company were transferred to MANWEB.
It included the Boroughs of Macclesfield and Buxton, and the Districts of Bollington, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Hazel Grove, Marple, Whaley Bridge and New Mills.
[7] Alderley Edge power station had a maximum load of 461 MW and supplied 32.24 MWh of electricity in 1946.
The operating data for the period 1921–23 was:[7] Buxton power station had a maximum load of 819 MW and supplied 228.57 MWh of electricity in 1946.