Britain's winter grid forecasts: pipeline deal shores up gas supplies but adds to bills

Grid operators forecast secure British winter supplies after a last-minute pipeline deal secures gas imports at higher cost.

• National Gas struck a last-minute deal with a Belgian pipeline owner to reverse a planned capacity cut, adding about 10p a month to average gas bills.
• Operator NESO said Britain's electricity system was prepared and resilient, though "tight days" could prompt notices to power producers.
• The reports follow an independent investigation that found high levels of stress and concern among NESO control room engineers.
• NESO chief executive Fintan Slye said the operator would act on the investigation's recommendations.