Britain faces some of Europe's highest energy costs this winter while paying Belgium to keep gas flowing
Households will pay roughly 10p a month extra on gas bills to fund a deal stopping a planned cut to Belgian pipeline capacity. Ofgem warned that without it, Britain could run out of gas on a 1-in-20 cold day. Home-grown North Sea output is forecast to drop by about 5%. Tory energy spokesman Andrew Bowie called paying other countries for gas 'utterly outrageous'.
Seaborne gas imports will rise 5%, with prices triple pre-Middle East crisis levels.
Britain still imports almost 60% of its gas, even after the Jackdaw field approval.
Grid operator NESO insists the lights stay on but warns of 'tight days' this winter.
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BBC News - BusinessLights will stay on this winter, grid operator says after concernsLBCBritain expected to pay some of the highest energy costs in Europe this winter as its reliance on importsThe TelegraphWinter blackout risk rises for first time since 2022Daily Mail NewsOutrage as Ofgem admits Britain could run out of gasLBCEnergy system stable for winter despite overseas gas reliance, analysis findsReutersUK gas, power grids ready for winter despite global turmoil, operators say - ReutersEconostrum (English)Blackout warning: Britain’s winter power safety margin falls to four-year lowTransport + EnergyNESO states Great Britain is ready for winter - Transport + EnergyThe GuardianSome of Europe’s highest energy costs expected in Britain this winterThe GuardianBritain’s gas security needs reinforcement. Last-minute deals with Belgium are not a proper fixThe IndependentWill Britain have enough gas and electricity to get through winter months? Here’s what the analysis shows
