Reports & Studies

IN FROM THE COLD: AN ANALYSIS OF NATURAL GAS SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN FEB 2021

In February 2021, a winter storm swept across Texas, blanketing the state with snow and ice and sending temperatures plunging into the single digits. The storm triggered record electricity and energy demand. Due to this demand, nearly every energy source the state relies upon for electricity generation was at capacity. But a close analysis of publicly available data shows that natural gas supported the state’s energy needs at a critical time.

Published : April 2021

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Key Findings

  • HISTORIC ENERGY DEMAND: As temperatures across the state cratered, on February 14th at around 8pm, demand started to rapidly increase, reaching levels not seen in about a decade. Demand increased across all areas of the state, but especially in the North Central, Coast, and South Central regions, home to the largest cities in the state including Dallas, Houston, and Austin.
  • NATURAL GAS RISES TO MEET DEMAND: In the days leading up to and during the storm, natural gas outperformed other energy sources (like wind, coal, solar, and nuclear), generating more than 900,000 kilowatt hours at its peak. Natural gas kept homes warm and prevented blackouts from occurring earlier and lasting longer.
  • NATURAL GAS QUADRUPLED TRADITIONAL OUTPUT: Natural gas provided over four times the output it normally covers. As a fuel source, natural gas is unique in its ability to ramp up, even during extreme weather, which is why it is the backbone of the Texas power grid.

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