Natural Gas Supports Every Season
Natural gas plays a vital role in meeting energy needs across all sectors throughout the year. In 2023, natural gas accounted for 67% to 78% of all end-use energy delivered in the U.S., excluding transportation. During the winter, homes and businesses relied more on natural gas utilities than on any other source or sector. In several regions, natural gas supplied over 50% of all end-use energy in the month of January. Total energy consumed in the U.S. is higher than delivered because different fuels have different full fuel cycle efficiencies (natural gas is 92% and electricity is nationally at 38%). This analysis includes regional monthly demand for natural gas, electricity, propane, and fuel oil, which are critical sources of energy for homes and businesses.
Key Findings
- In 2023, natural gas supplied between 67% and 78% of all end-use energy delivered (excluding transportation). Overall energy demand fluctuated seasonally, with summer deliveries reaching up to 50% more than in January.
- Natural gas utilities serving homes and businesses delivered up to five times more energy in the winter months than in the summer, making up 37% of all end-use energy delivered in January.
- The West and East North Central regions experienced the most pronounced seasonal swings in residential and commercial gas use. January demand from natural gas utilities was 7.6 and 6.7 times higher than in July, and in both cases exceeded the total demand for electricity in the summer.
- Natural gas use for electricity generation peaked in summer, rising 44% from 472 million MMBtu in January to 680 million MMBtu in July. In contrast, electricity from other sources remained relatively steady year-round, ranging from 600 to 700 million MMBtu per month.
- Industrial use of natural gas also showed seasonal patterns, with higher demand in the winter. Regions with the largest increases in gas use for power generation in the summer also saw the greatest wintertime increases in industrial demand.
