Britain's winter blackout safety margin shrinks for the first time since 2022 as reliance on foreign gas deepens
The National Energy System Operator now forecasts 5.9GW of spare power this winter, down from 6.1GW, a 9.5% cushion against peak demand. Under last year's method of rating wind farms, that margin would be just 5.2GW. An independent probe found NESO engineers felt 'high levels of stress and concern' about keeping supply up. NESO insists the lights will stay on but warns of 'tight days'.
Households will pay 10p a month extra for a last-minute Belgian pipeline gas deal.
Tory Andrew Bowie called paying other countries to supply gas 'utterly outrageous'.
Close to 60% of Britain's gas comes from abroad, with LNG cargo volumes expected to climb 5%.
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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 fix
