Flag of the United Kingdom (Photo: Kudai Thanir via Getty Images)
The energy regulator said the UK faces a “significant risk” of gas shortages this winter and a potential emergency due to conflicts in Ukraine and reduced supplies in Europe.
While Russia meets only around 4% of Britain’s gas needs, disruptions in supplies to Europe have contributed to rising British prices and made it harder for the UK to source gas from other countries.
In a letter to energy firm SSE, regulator Ofgem said the UK faces the possibility of a “gas supply emergency”, in which supplies to some gas-fired power plants are cut, preventing them from generating electricity.
Responding to the publication of the letter, Ofgem said in an email: “This winter will be more challenging than previous winters due to Russia’s disruption of gas supplies to Europe.”
“We need to be prepared for all scenarios this winter,” Ofgem said in an email, adding that it is implementing contingency measures to ensure the UK’s power system is fully prepared.
Gas-fired power stations accounted for more than 40% of the UK’s electricity generation last year, while fossil fuels are used to heat 80% of British homes.
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