U.S. Natural Gas Consumption Outlook – August 2025
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that natural gas consumption will rise by 1% in 2025, reaching a record 91.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). This growth is driven by increased use in the residential and commercial sectors, especially during the colder winter months, which saw record-breaking demand due to a polar vortex in January.
Despite this overall increase, consumption in the electric power sector is expected to decline, marking a shift from previous years when it was the primary driver of growth. Natural gas remains the most prevalent source for generating electricity in the U.S., but has lost market share to coal, solar, and wind.
Looking ahead to 2026, consumption is projected to slightly decrease, largely due to forecasts of milder winter weather, which would reduce heating demand.
