Britain's energy regulator has approved an agreement designed to maintain vital gas import capacity through the pipeline linking Great Britain and Belgium, as energy operators prepare for the winter of 2026–27.
Ofgem confirmed on 22 October 2026 that it had approved Interconnector Limited entering into an agreement with National Gas Transmission plc. The arrangement is intended to prevent a further reduction in the amount of gas that could be imported through the cross-Channel pipeline during periods of exceptional demand.
Why the regulator intervened
Ofgem said the capability of Britain's links with continental European gas networks has declined because of weaker commercial incentives and technical reductions in pipeline capacity. Although the links are used only occasionally to import gas, they can provide additional flexibility during very cold weather or other severe strains on the energy system.
National Gas said the agreement is intended to maintain import capacity at levels available in winter 2025–26. The regulator has approved the agreement under the interconnector operator's licence, but the separate arrangements for recovering its costs remain subject to consultation.
What could it cost households?
Ofgem estimates the proposed arrangements would cost domestic gas customers approximately £1.19 per year for five years, or less than 10p a month. Customers who do not use gas would not face this charge. The regulator is consulting on changes to National Gas's licence and related financial mechanisms until 20 November 2026.
The regulator says the additional capacity is a precaution against rare but potentially serious scenarios, such as exceptionally cold weather occurring alongside the loss of a major source of gas supply. Its assessment does not mean Britain is expected to run short of gas this winter.
Capacity is not the same as supply
Importantly, keeping the pipeline available does not buy additional gas or guarantee that gas will be available to flow through it. It preserves the ability of market participants to import supplies when needed and when gas is available.
In a statement published on 22 October, National Gas stressed that the proposal concerns the resilience of the network rather than an anticipated shortage. It said the measure would help the system withstand very unlikely high-stress conditions.
The agreement comes as Britain's domestic gas production declines and the country continues to rely on a combination of North Sea production, imported pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas. Ofgem says its wider work will consider further measures to safeguard gas-system resilience.