California Shatters Gas Consumption Records as Solar and Battery Power Surge
California has made significant strides in reducing its reliance on natural gas for electricity generation. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the state's peak gas-fired power output was reached in 2014 and has been declining ever since.
In fact, California hit a record low in gas consumption for producing electricity in 2025, with a 15% decrease compared to 2024, and a 26% drop in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
The shift away from natural gas can be attributed to several factors. Utility-scale solar power has been increasing rapidly, while battery energy storage has also seen significant growth, allowing the state to soak up excess solar power and reduce its reliance on peaker plants, some of the least efficient and most expensive power plants.
Consumers have also played a crucial role in this transition by installing rooftop solar and batteries, reducing their demand on the grid. This is part of a broader trend, with regional grids improving their communication and resource sharing, leading to increased imports and exports of electricity.