Britain consults on the cost of maintaining gas import capacity
Ofgem invites responses until 20 November. Recovering costs from consumers requires a final regulatory decision.
Britain’s Ofgem opened a consultation on 22 October 2026 on funding arrangements to maintain or reinstate gas import capability through continental European interconnectors. Responses are due by 20 November; consumers, businesses and members of the public may participate.
Which agreement is involved
The first proposed arrangement concerns National Gas and Interconnector Limited (INT). It aims to maintain import capability for winter 2026/27 at the previous winter’s level, with a five-year agreement to maintain infrastructure. The framework could also cover a future arrangement with another interconnector, subject to the necessary approvals.
What is approved and what remains pending
Ofgem has consented to National Gas negotiating and entering relevant arrangements, and has separately approved the INT agreement. This does not prejudge the decision on passing costs to consumers. Cost recovery requires the licence and financial instrument modifications now under consultation.
The regulator envisages a final decision in late 2026 or early 2027, after considering responses. Implementation of any changes will follow the applicable statutory processes and periods.
Resilience under rare stress scenarios
The intervention addresses very high winter demand combined with the loss of the largest individual infrastructure element. Ofgem says the system can meet demand in the vast majority of anticipated circumstances. National Gas explains that the measure concerns resilience, not an indication that gas shortages are expected.
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