Renewables Soar as US Electricity Demand Rises

Rising electricity demand in the US during the summer of 2026 was met with increased renewable energy production, limiting the need for natural gas. According to data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), solar and wind generation rose by approximately 19.4 TWh and 9.3 TWh, respectively, between June and August compared to the same period in 2025.

Natural gas-fired generation increased by 7.5 TWh during the same period, but the addition of renewable capacity and higher solar and wind output reduced the amount of natural gas needed to meet electricity demand growth.

The EIA estimates that this combination of factors helped limit upward pressure on gas prices, with the Henry Hub natural gas spot price averaging US$2.93 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) between June and August, a 6% decrease from the same period in 2025.