The energy regulator Ofgem has approved an agreement designed to halt the decline in gas import capacity from the continent. It concerns the subsea gas pipeline linking the UK with Belgium (Interconnector Limited). The agreement with network operator National Gas Transmission was announced on 22 October 2026.
Interconnectors are pipelines under the North Sea that link the UK with Belgium and the Netherlands. Gas can flow both ways. Imports are rarely used day to day, but during severe cold, when demand jumps, they are an important safeguard. According to Ofgem, their import capacity has recently fallen – for commercial and technical reasons.
Ofgem is now consulting on how to pay for it. It proposes that National Gas recover the costs through a charge added to gas bills. The regulator’s estimate: less than 10p a month, or about £1.19 a year per gas customer, for five years. Those who do not use gas will pay nothing.
Ofgem stresses that this is a precautionary step. The agreement does not mean buying gas and does not guarantee supplies. It only preserves the possibility of importing if gas is available. The consultation runs until Friday 20 November 2026, and approval of the agreement does not settle the final decision.
What it means for you
- Families with gas heating: the extra cost is about £1.19 a year. Not much compared with the whole bill, but it adds to other network charges.
- Electric homes (e.g. with a heat pump): will not pay this charge.
- Small businesses (bakeries, workshops, catering): better-secured imports reduce the risk of sharp price spikes during cold snaps, although nothing is guaranteed.
Our assessment
It is a cheap insurance policy for rare but serious situations – for example a freezing winter and the failure of a major supply source at the same time. We think a few pence a month is a reasonable price. Ofgem may still change the details after the consultation, and the same mechanism could later cover other links with Europe.
What to do
- Want to have your say? Ofgem’s consultation runs until 20 November: Ofgem – announcement and documents.
- Before winter, check your tariff and read your meter – advice from Citizens Advicecan help.
- Behind on your supplier account? Ask about a repayment plan or hardship funds – see the list at Citizens Advice – grants and benefits.
Source: Ofgem – Ofgem consults on proposals to reinforce gas import capability (22.10.2026).
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