U.S. natural gas consumption reached new highs in 2025, with the residential and commercial sectors leading the year-over-year increase, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Mar. 23.
The EIA reported that average daily natural gas use hit a record of 92.0 billion cubic feet per day last year, and January set a new winter monthly record at 126.6 billion cubic feet per day. Residential sector usage increased by 11%, commercial sector by 9%, and industrial sector by 1%. In contrast, natural gas used for electricity generation declined by three percent compared to the previous year.
Despite this decrease, electric power remained the largest consumer of natural gas in the United States during 2025. Over the past decade, demand from this sector has risen from an average of 27.3 billion cubic feet per day in 2016 to nearly 35.8 billion cubic feet per day last year.
Natural gas use typically peaks during winter months due to higher heating needs in homes and businesses; all five highest monthly records since tracking began in 1998 occurred during these colder periods because of sustained cold weather conditions, according to EIA data.
Electricity generation using natural gas usually increases during summer as air-conditioning demand rises; however, there were fewer cooling degree days—73 less than usual—during May through August last year according to EIA figures. The agency said: “The decline in electric power consumption of natural gas also reflected rapid solar and battery additions in 2025, which displaced natural gas-fired generation during many hours of the day.”
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association representing employers across various sectors according to its official website. The association advances competitive excellence and financial success for its members while providing essential information and services according to its official website. Michele Siekerka is president and chief executive officer according to its official website.
The association supports private-sector employers throughout New Jersey according to its official website, facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions according to its official website, and offers advocacy along with practical information and cost-saving benefits designed for business prosperity according to its official website.
