Ofgem approves deal to preserve Great Britain gas import capability through Belgium interconnector

Ofgem approved Interconnector Limited entering an agreement with National Gas Transmission plc to reinforce gas import capability through the Great Britain-Belgium interconnector on 22 October 2026. The agreement will prevent a planned reduction in import capability and preserve the option for Great Britain over the coming winters.

Interconnector had planned to reduce its import capability because of high operating and maintenance costs and weaker commercial demand for flows into Britain. National Gas facilitated the agreement to maintain the import option.

The Zeebrugge-Bacton pipeline can carry gas in either direction depending on demand and prices. Ofgem says the preserved import capacity could be called upon during an exceptionally cold winter or if another major source of supply failed.

The deal keeps capacity available but does not guarantee that gas will actually flow through the pipeline. It does not mean Britain is expected to run short of gas.

Ofgem is consulting on proposed licence changes and financial instruments that would let National Gas recover the cost of arrangements designed to maintain gas import capability between Great Britain and continental Europe. The arrangement is expected to cost households around GBP 1.19 a year for five years, or less than 10p a month.

Ofgem's approval of the agreement does not prejudge the outcome of the consultation or its final decision on the licence modification. The consultation is open until 20 November 2026.