September 16, 2026 - Persistent late-summer heat across much of the United States is driving unusually strong electricity demand, boosting generation from both natural gas and coal as power producers work to meet elevated cooling loads.

U.S. power-sector natural gas consumption averaged 46.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) from September 1-14, according to data from S&P Global Energy CERA. That was 6.8 Bcf/d higher than during the same period last year and 5.2 Bcf/d above the three-year average.

The strong demand puts natural gas consumption by power plants on track to establish a new September record. The previous record of 40.7 Bcf/d was set in September 2024.

The increase has come despite stronger generation from other energy sources, including coal.

During the first 13 days of September, U.S. coal-fired power generation increased by approximately 650 gigawatt-hours per day compared with the same period last year, according to S&P Global Energy. Natural gas-fired generation increased by roughly 680 GWh/d over the same period.

The simultaneous increases highlight the strength of electricity demand during the late-summer heat.

Population-weighted temperatures across the United States averaged more than 3 degrees Fahrenheit above normal during September 1-14, increasing air-conditioning demand and requiring greater output from the nation's generating fleet. S&P Global Energy CERA forecasts indicated that temperatures would remain around 3 degrees above normal through much of the second half of September.

Natural gas demand from power plants is consequently expected to remain elevated. S&P Global Energy CERA projected power-sector gas consumption to average more than 45 Bcf/d during September 15-28, which would keep consumption well above typical levels for this time of year.

Despite the sharp increase in gas demand, natural gas prices have remained relatively subdued as strong domestic production keeps the market well supplied.

U.S. natural gas production has continued to rise in 2026, providing sufficient supply to accommodate increased power-sector consumption and growing liquefied natural gas exports. Natural gas production during the first eight months of the year averaged roughly 4 Bcf/d above the same period in 2025, according to S&P Global Energy.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration also expects strong natural gas production to support inventories. In its September Short-Term Energy Outlook, EIA forecast natural gas inventories of 3,969 Bcf at the end of October, about 5% above the five-year average.

The surge in September generation comes as overall U.S. electricity consumption continues to climb.

EIA expects U.S. electricity generation to increase 2.2% in 2026 to a record 4,368 billion kilowatt-hours. Electricity sales are forecast to rise nearly 2% this year, with data center development and increased manufacturing activity contributing to higher commercial and industrial electricity demand.

Natural gas is expected to account for approximately 40% of U.S. electricity generation in 2026, while coal is projected to provide about 16%.

Although EIA forecasts an annual decline in coal-fired generation this year, September's generation data demonstrate that coal plants continue to provide substantial additional output during periods of high electricity demand.

The combination of persistent heat, rising electricity consumption and strong generation from both coal and natural gas underscores the continuing role of dispatchable fossil-fuel generation in meeting periods of elevated U.S. power demand.