Natural Gas Sets Record Amid Heatwave

Natural Gas Sets New Record Amid Major Heatwave

Natural gas has achieved a remarkable milestone in power generation, setting a new record during a recent major heatwave that impacted much of the United States. According to data from S&P Global Commodity Insights, 53.5 billion cubic feet (BCF) of natural gas were used for power generation in the lower-48 states, surpassing the previous record of 53.4 BCF set on July 27, 2023. This data, reported as of July 18, 2024, underscores the growing importance of natural gas in maintaining electric grid stability.

Natural gas has become indispensable for electric grid stability and power generation, as shown by the latest trends. Traditionally peaking in winter due to home heating needs, natural gas usage has increasingly peaked in summer. Utilities rely on natural gas power plants to meet the cooling demands and other end uses, providing an affordable and reliable means to lower emissions while ensuring consistent power supply during even the hottest days.

Three regions—Northeast (14.5 BCF), Midwest (6.9 BCF), and the Midcontinent (2.8 BCF)—also set records for natural gas demand for electric power, with daily records established during the recent heatwave. Although this data is new and may be revised, it highlights the critical role natural gas played in keeping the electric grid operational and ensuring tens of millions of Americans had access to reliable air conditioning during a significant heatwave.

At A.Y. McDonald, we recognize the vital role natural gas plays in our energy infrastructure. Our commitment to providing high-quality natural gas components ensures that power plants can rely on efficient and robust equipment to meet rising demands. As natural gas continues to be a cornerstone of power generation, we remain dedicated to supporting the industry with innovative and dependable solutions.

For more information on how A.Y. McDonald supports the natural gas industry, or to learn about our products and services, please contact our customer service team at 1-800-292-2737 or fill out a contact us form.