Where the UK gets its gas
The country now imports most of its natural gas through pipelines from Norway and as LNG from the US and Qatar. Domestic production has fallen since we stopped being self-sufficient in 2004, leaving prices exposed to global swings and limited storage capacity. Wholesale costs feed straight into both gas and electricity bills, with extra pressure in winter when demand spikes.
What actually sits on your bill
A typical gas bill splits into the unit rate per kWh, a daily standing charge, VAT, network costs, policy levies and supplier margins. Fixed tariffs lock the unit rate for a set period but often carry exit fees, while variable deals move quarterly. Smart meters and better insulation remain the quickest ways to cut usage without switching supplier.
The shift away from gas heating
New homes must meet the Future Homes Standard from 2025, ruling out gas boilers in new builds. Existing homes face no ban or fixed replacement date, but grants under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme support heat pumps instead. We’ve already covered how solar panels and heat pumps work together across the year in this piece. The government will decide hydrogen’s role in 2026.
What households can do now
Compare tariffs regularly, add loft and wall insulation, fit thermostatic radiator valves and service your boiler. These steps cut consumption before any future policy changes bite. Check your options on our energy pages to see current deals.
