On October 22, 2026, the UK energy regulator Ofgem approved an agreement between Interconnector Limited (INT) and National Gas Transmission (National Gas) to prevent a planned reduction in gas import capacity through the Zeebrugge–Bacton interconnector, maintaining critical supply levels for Britain. This decision ensures that Great Britain's gas import capacity will be reinstated to Winter 2025/26 levels for the upcoming winter period, averting a significant drop that would have seen capacity fall from 73 mcm/day to 36 mcm/day by October 1, 2026.

This regulatory action directly addresses concerns about Britain's winter gas supply and bolsters the nation's energy security, providing an essential safeguard against high-demand scenarios such as severe winter weather. While the UK's gas system is considered reliable under normal conditions, the maintained capacity acts as an insurance policy, ensuring flexibility and resilience in challenging situations. Domestic gas customers will bear a small cost for this security, estimated at less than 10 pence per month over five years.

What the records show

Regulatory oversight and costs

Official statements

What we could not confirm