EIA sees summer 2026 power-sector gas use flat at 43.7 Bcf/d

The EIA's May 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook put summer 2026 natural gas use for power at 43.7 Bcf/d, flat with summer 2025 and 4% above the 2021 to 2025 summer average. It projected a 6% rise to 46.1 Bcf/d in summer 2027, which would beat the 2024 record by 3%. Power-sector demand is the steadiest driver of Henry Hub consumption, so the outlook matters for the summer balance.

• Summer 2026 power-sector gas use: 43.7 Bcf/d, flat year over year
• Summer 2027 forecast: 46.1 Bcf/d, up 6%
• Summer 2027 would beat the 2024 record by 3%