The UK is facing a "significant risk" of gas shortages over the winter, energy regulator Ofgem has warned.
Ofgem made the claim in a letter revealed by The Times. The letter said there was a chance of a "gas supply emergency" because of the Russian war on Ukraine. This war has already affected gas prices across Europe, and has led to energy prices rising.
A "gas supply emergency" is when energy firms cannot supply enough of the resource to meet demand. It may mean businesses are asked to stop using gas for limited periods, in order to safeguard gas supplies to consumers.
Read More: Energy firm deadlines for people who didn't provide meter reading on October 1
Ofgem said it predicted "this winter to be more challenging than last year" and was taking "reasonable regulatory steps to mitigate and reduce the risks". Ofgem has been approached for comment, reports The Mirror.
The news comes as energy experts say Europe's gas supplies face "unprecedented risks" this winter. The International Energy Agency (IEA) said that European countries would need to cut their gas use by 13% over the winter in case Russian gas supplies are completely cut off.
Russia has already cut off most of its gas pipelines to Europe. Households may be asked to turn down their thermostats and boiler temperatures, while businesses will also have to save energy, the IEA said.
Energy bills have risen for millions of households as the £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee came into effect on October 1. The new Government initiative replaces the Ofgem price cap - which would’ve seen bills rise to £3,549 for someone with typical use - and will be in place for two years.
It means households won’t face the hideous rises that were expected to come next year - with analysts previously predicting that gas and electricity bills will hit £6,000 in 2023. But it still means the average home faces yearly energy bills of £2,500, with many homes paying even more.
Read Next:
