It's being reported on BBC News today that wholesale gas prices have
doubled over the last couple of days.

UK companies have begun drawing down emergency reserves - usually saved
up for January and February.

Now, I imagine that utility companies pay for long range weather
forecast that the general public are not privy to. So, I would expect
these forecasts are pointing to a long "colder than average" spell this
winter, if they're deeming that they need to stock up on supplies now.

Ian