Winter power safety margin falls for the first time since 2022 despite grid bosses insisting the lights will stay on
Under last year's methodology, the buffer would amount to only 5.2GW, or 8.4%. NESO reached 5.9GW only by classifying wind farms as more dependable. An independent review found that the organisation's own engineers had 'high levels of stress and concern' over supply. Demand is being pushed up by data centres, electric cars and heat pumps, and Britain plans to meet it by paying more than neighbouring countries for imports.
Households will pay around 10p a month extra for an 11th-hour Belgian pipeline deal.
Tory energy spokesman Andrew Bowie called paying foreigners for gas 'utterly outrageous'.
Close to 60% of Britain's gas comes from abroad, and LNG costs triple pre-crisis prices.
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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
