Some of Europe’s highest energy costs expected in Britain this winter

A snowy London street. Great Britain has some of the smallest gas stores in Europe after decades of relying on production from the North Sea. Photograph: Shomos Uddin/Getty Images

Great Britain is expected to pay some of the highest energy costs in Europe this winter as its reliance on imports to ensure a steady supply is forecast to deepen.

Energy system operators have said the country will have enough gas and electricity to meet demand over the coldest months – in part because of paying higher market prices than neighbouring markets to secure imports.