U.S. natural gas-fired electricity generation consistently increased in 2022 and 2023

In-brief analysis

Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor
Note: The chart series reflect the average electricity generation for a given hour across an entire year; they are reported in 24-hour increments for the U.S. Lower 48 states, based on local time.

Electricity generation from units that primarily consume natural gas in the U.S. Lower 48 states has increased for all hours of the day since 2021, according to data reported on Form EIA-930, Hourly and Daily Balancing Authority Operations Report.

Balancing authorities, the organizations responsible for maintaining the U.S. electric grid, report the volume of electricity from electric generators by primary fuel source on Form EIA-930. Balancing authorities may not know actual fuel consumption. We collect actual fuel consumption for electricity generation on other EIA surveys and report these data in the Electric Power Monthly, with a longer data lag and by month.

Principal contributor: Chris Peterson

Tags: natural gas, electricity, generation