Natural gas is projected to break power production records this year, as the dog days of summer drive up demand for air conditioning, the federal government said Thursday.
The Energy Information Administration said gas-fired power plants will provide 4 percent more electricity per day in 2016 than in the previous year, reaching a record level according to its latest short-term energy outlook.
In its latest short-term energy outlook, the Energy Department’s independent analysis arm, said natural gas-fired generation is expected to reach record highs in July and August, when demand for air conditioning will peak and push demand over last year’s level.
Natural gas has become the top supplier of U.S. electricity over the last year, beating out coal-fired electricity as the reigning champ. The switch is spurred by the boon in shale oil and gas production from fracking, which has transformed the nation into the largest fossil fuel producer in the world. The switch to natural gas also has reduced U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, uses a mix of primarily sand and water to break up shale rock deep underground and free up oil and gas deposits. The agency says natural gas stocks are at peak levels and will remain so going into the winter heating season.
