Original PrimaryBrief article graphic. Not a photograph of the event.
THE PRIMARY BRIEF
01 · The primary finding
On October 22, 2026, the UK energy regulator Ofgem approved an agreement to maintain gas import capacity from Belgium at 27.8 gigawatts, preventing a planned reduction to 16.5 gigawatts.
02 · The primary evidence
Ofgem launched a consultation to recover the £147 million cost, which could add £1.19 annually to domestic gas bills for five years. This followed the UK government's approval of the Jackdaw gas field on October 21, 2026.
03 · Why it matters
This decision aims to secure the UK's energy supply during peak demand but could increase energy costs for consumers.
15 cited sources · 15 independent publishers
On October 22, 2026, the UK energy regulator Ofgem approved an agreement with Interconnector Limited and National Gas to maintain gas import capacity at approximately 27.8 gigawatts through the pipeline connecting Great Britain and Belgium, preventing a planned reduction to 16.5 gigawatts. This decision followed the UK government's approval of the Jackdaw gas field project on October 21, 2026, which aims to boost domestic energy supply.
This regulatory intervention seeks to safeguard the UK's energy security, particularly for potential periods of high demand. However, the estimated £147 million cost for maintaining this capacity could translate into an additional charge of about £1.19 per year for typical domestic gas customers over five years.