Южный Соммерсет признан одним из самых энергетически изолированных районов Англии и Уэльса

South Somerset has been named one of the most energy-isolated areas in England and Wales. The area received a maximum score of 100 on the Energy Isolation Index, developed by energy experts Jefferson Gas to identify regions most at risk if energy supplies become limited. This index factors in the percentage of properties not connected to the gas grid, a rurality score, and an access score based on proximity to major towns or cities. Steve Ferguson of Jefferson Gas said: "At a time when worries about energy are at a peak, it’s really useful to have this understanding of the areas which might be at the highest risk." South Somerset was one of nine local authorities in the South West to receive the highest possible score of 100. Other areas included Forest of Dean, Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, Mendip, North Devon, South Hams, Torridge, and West Devon. Ceredigion in Wales rounded out the top 10 with a score of 92.94. Of the 331 local authorities assessed, 39 were classed as critically isolated, with a further 37 rated highly isolated, 101 moderately isolated, and 90 rated as having low isolation. Just 64 authorities received the lowest rating of minimal isolation. The South West had the highest concentration of critically isolated areas, with 16 out of 30 local authorities—more than half—falling into this category. Wales followed with 10 out of 22 authorities. Mr Ferguson explained the supply challenges facing these regions. He said: "We have the advantage however that, despite large global supply issues for LPG products, which isolated properties may well rely on, aren’t hitting the UK as hard as other parts of the world. "Due to differences in supply infrastructure, the situation in the Middle East has a more indirect impact on the UK, which is price, via surcharges which will ultimately be removed when prices stabilise. "Additionally, until the shipping backlog is cleared, new cylinders will remain stuck in container ships at sea." He also urged residents to stay informed and seek help if needed. He said: "There are 150,000 households in the UK which use LPG as their primary heat source, and they should all be made aware that if they see prices rising, they should contact their local councils. "The government made funding available for heating oil and LPG users to assist with any price rises due to the ongoing closure of the Hormuz Strait, and they should aim to utilise that if there is any further price instability." In South Somerset, a significant portion of homes are off the mains gas network, relying instead on LPG, heating oil, or other off-grid energy sources—making the area particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions and price fluctuations. Rural communities in South Somerset may be disproportionately affected if energy supplies become constrained, not only due to limited infrastructure but also because of the challenges in accessing alternative energy sources quickly. The findings come as global concerns over energy supply continue to grow due to uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East.