Gas’s share of the US energy mix surpassed that of coal for the second time this year – and only the second time ever – in July, according to figures from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Natural gas had previously achieved the milestone in April.
According to the EIA, natural gas provided 140 billion kWh (35%) of a total of 398 billion kWh in July, while coal generation provided only 139 billion kWh. Gas-fired generation rose in every region of the US, while coal-fired generation fell across the board. In July 2014, coal has generated 150 billion kWh.
Natural gas prices remain low with average Henry Hub prices dropping from US$4.14 per million Btu in July 2014 to US$2.72 per billion Btu this year. Meanwhile, wholesale natural gas prices in New York City were below those for Central Appalachian coal at US$2.06 per million Btu compared to US$2.31 per billion Btu.
Edited by Jonathan Rowland.