Prior to its connection to the national grid, Downton was supplied with electricity from a small local power station operated by the Central Electricity Generating Board. In 1958 the station comprised a 35 kW water turbine driven by the River Avon and an 82 kW diesel engine plant. Electricity was available to consumers at 400–420 Volts alternating current. In 1958 the station supplied 215 MWh of electricity; in 1972 supplies were 287 MWh. The power station was decommissioned in the mid-1970s.