UK Gas Storage Crisis: Less Than a Week’s Supply Remains Amid Winter Cold Snap

Britain faces a severe energy security challenge as gas storage levels have plummeted to “concerningly low” levels, with less than a week’s worth of supply remaining, according to Centrica, the owner of British Gas. The crisis has emerged due to a combination of plunging temperatures and increased demand from gas-fired power stations across the country.

As of January 9, 2025, UK storage facilities are operating at approximately 50% capacity, marking a 26% decrease compared to the same period last year. This significant reduction in reserves has been exacerbated by several factors, including an early onset of winter and persistently high gas prices, which have made it difficult to replenish storage during the Christmas period.

The situation is particularly concerning given the UK’s heavy reliance on gas for both residential heating and electricity generation. The Rough facility, Britain’s largest gas storage site operated by Centrica, has been working overtime, supplying nearly 420 million cubic meters of gas since early November – enough to heat three million homes daily.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is the recent cessation of Russian gas pipeline supplies through Ukraine, which ended on December 31, 2024. This development has further strained the European energy market, with storage levels across the continent dropping to 69% capacity, down from 84% during the same period last year.

The UK’s vulnerability is amplified by its limited storage capacity compared to other European nations. While Germany maintains 89 days of storage, France 103 days, and the Netherlands 123 days, the UK has only approximately 12 days of average supply or 7.5 days during peak winter conditions. This disparity highlights the country’s position as an outlier in European energy security.

Despite these concerns, the UK government has moved to reassure the public. A spokesperson from Number 10 has stated that the country possesses sufficient gas and electricity capacity to meet winter demand, citing the nation’s diverse and resilient energy system. The government maintains regular communication with the national system operator to monitor security and ensure necessary resources are available.

Centrica has proposed a £2 billion investment to upgrade the Rough storage facility, which currently provides about half of the UK’s total gas storage capacity. However, this investment requires government support through a cap and floor pricing model. The company argues that such an investment could save consumers approximately £1 billion annually by 2050 if converted to hydrogen storage.

The UK’s current energy mix reveals its dependence on various sources. Norway provides 41% of gas imports via pipeline, while domestic North Sea production contributes 30%, and US imports account for 18%. Natural gas currently constitutes 53% of the UK’s power generation, according to National Grid data.

Energy experts suggest that the long-term solution lies in reducing gas consumption through better home insulation, transitioning from gas boilers to electric heat pumps, and expanding renewable energy sources. These measures would help decrease the UK’s reliance on international gas markets and stabilize energy costs for consumers.