2025 Winter Heating Outlook
This winter, the surge in natural gas demand is being met with record natural gas production. While a continuation of last year’s “La Niña” weather pattern signals a colder than average winter season in the lower-48 states, natural gas bills are projected to be 8% lower than higher prices of several years ago. Natural gas demand growth expectations have risen between 5 to 9% through 2026 as a result of LNG export growth. The natural gas drilling rig count is up 18% even as oil has declined, and despite increased exports, storage inventories are filled above the five-year average as the withdrawal season approaches, signaling strong preparedness for the winter heating season. Inflation-adjusted prices for natural gas also remain historically low, showing continued reliable affordability for American families, businesses and industry.