January 1, 2026 - The Public Service Commission of West Virginia hopes, on behalf of its staff, that you have a healthy and prosperous new year in 2026.

We here are hopeful for a robust economy in the new year, with an influx of business developments and population to help expand the Mountain State economy.

Some of our chief concerns, of course, include energy development and ensuring that electric power is available at prices we can afford in this new year.

So far, the outlook looks robust, particularly for the production and usage of coal and natural gas.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that annual electricity consumption will increase in the new year in the United States.

The agency says the need for power will surpass the all-time high reached in 2024.

This growth contrasts with a trend that saw a relatively flat electricity demand for most of the first quarter of this century.

The federal agency says forecasted growth in electricity consumption is coming primarily in the commercial and industrial sectors. These two include data centers and new and expanded manufacturing production.

Peabody Energy, a leading coal producer, predicted in September a rise in coal production because of its favorable treatment by the Trump administration.

Peabody said U.S. coal consumption could increase 57 percent in the coming years.

In a similar fashion, the International Energy Agency says natural gas consumption is also expected to reach an all-time high in 2026.

Industrial electrical power usage should grow by 2.1 percent, while commercial needs should grow at an average of 2.6 percent.

This growth projection could add 250 million tons of annual demand, increasing total coal consumption to nearly 690 million tons.

The International Energy Agency says gas consumption by industry and by the energy sector is forecast to contribute to much of the new gas requirements. 

Gas-to-power demand – that is, converting natural gas into electricity — is projected to account for 30 percent of demand growth in 2026, while gas use in residential settings will increase slightly.

Expected growth in electric usage, combined with favorable regulatory treatment and positive direction from the White House, all play into this healthy scenario.

The administration has positioned coal and natural gas as essential components of economic stability.

One of those key features is fuel security.

Each is readily available and not subject to international disruptions in the supply chain. Each can be transported efficiently and economically.

West Virginia remains a leading energy producer in this nation.

As a result, West Virginia should play a leading role in any economic renaissance that showcases these important fuels.