National Gas publishes Winter Review alongside major uplift to maintenance plans

The company has revealed details of how the UK’s gas network responded to the demands of last winter – a complex picture showing both an ongoing reduction in overall demand and peak highs for power generation hitting new record levels.

National Gas has revealed the highest level of investment in recent years in its annual summer maintenance plan, carrying out extensive maintenance along its vast 7,600km network to ensure it is match fit for another winter. 

Today’s Winter Review shows, over the period of 1 October to 31 March:

• Last year was the fifth warmest winter on record (met office) and daily demand for gas was lower as a result – however cold snaps in December meant overall demand was similar to the previous year.
• There was a significant reduction in total National Transmission System demand – this was due to lower gas exports to Europe, which are now approaching more normalised levels after a 2022 peak related to reduced Russian supplies.
• Total demand for power continues to reduce year on year – due to a combination of an increase in renewables (particularly wind generation) and higher electricity imports into GB.
• Despite the overall demand reducing, peak gas demand for power generation was the highest we have seen to date.
• The daily peak of electricity generated from gas increased year-on-year – from 58% to 61%. 

Ian Radley, Director of System Operations at National Gas, said:

“Whilst the way we use gas as a nation continues to change, it plays a vital role in keeping people warm, keeping the lights on and keeping businesses going. Last Winter was mild but the cold snaps we experienced in December meant that demand year on year remains similar. And on those cold, still days in December as much as 61% of the nation’s electricity was generated by gas thanks to our flexible network and diverse sources of supply.

“As we look to the summer our maintenance plans are some of the biggest in recent years, with investment up a third compared to last year. This investment will ensure our gas network remains match-fit to transport the energy Britain needs for the coming winter and beyond.

“Continuing to decarbonise GB’s energy system in a way that is both secure and affordable will require industry and government to continue to work closely together, and we are proud to continue to play a critical role in this national endeavour.”

National Gas’ priority is to ensure the National Transmission System continues to deliver gas to power stations, major industries, businesses and homes safely and reliably. As a responsible system operator, National Gas continually monitors supply and demand behaviour throughout the year, identifying risks and taking appropriate mitigating actions. It continues to work closely with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on the proposals set out in the Energy Security Plan, which details focus areas for enhancing energy security. 

The country benefits from having diverse and flexible supplies, steady and reliable from the UKCS and Norway as well as from the LNG and the Interconnectors. The network has sufficient capability to accept gas from each of these sources in response to how the market chooses to balance demand and supply.

The full Winter Review 2024 can be found here: Gas Winter Outlook, Review and Consultation | National Gas

ENDS