Ofgem proposes to reduce National Grid’s allowance for its gas transmission price control

Press release

Publication date

Industry sector

Transmission Network

Ofgem has today proposed to reduce National Grid’s allowance for its 2013-2021 gas transmission price control by £277.5 million. This funding relates to providing capacity for putting gas into the national high-pressure gas pipeline at the Fleetwood entry point in Lancashire.  

National Grid Gas Transmission’s (NGGT) obligation to provide this capacity was originally triggered by a gas shipper which bid for the capacity in an auction. However, the shipper has since defaulted on payments and no longer has a right to the capacity. We are proposing to reduce NGGT’s allowance otherwise customers will be charged for investment that has not been delivered.   

Ofgem is also consulting on removing National Grid’s obligation to provide capacity at Fleetwood. This means that any gas shipper that wants to buy capacity there in future would have to purchase a minimum amount in one of the regular auctions that National Grid runs. This means that consumers would be better protected against the risk of paying for expensive network investment which is not needed. 

Ofgem will make a final decision on the funding allowances, and on NGGT’s capacity obligation this summer.

Notes to editors

  1. Review of the Fleetwood entry point in gas transmission
  2. More information on the price control

About Ofgem

Ofgem is the independent energy regulator for Great Britain. Its priority is to make a positive difference for consumers by promoting competition in the energy markets and regulating networks.

For facts, figures and information about Ofgem’s work, see Energy facts and figures or visit the Ofgem Data Portal

Follow us on Twitter @ofgem and LinkedIn

Further information for media

For further information, contact:

Chris Lock: 0207 901 7225

Joseph Moss: 0207 901 7178

Media out of hours mobile: 07766 511 470 (media calls only)