Summer 2021: Coal Displaces Gas
June 14, 2021
EIA forecasts U.S. natural gas-fired generation for this summer of 2021 will total 420 billion kWh, representing 37% of total generation compared with 42% last summer. Coal generation will rise to 289 billion kWh this summer, representing a year-over-year increase in generation share from 22% to 26%.
Driving the 2021 decline for natural gas-fired power plants are higher natural gas prices. The forecast U.S. cost of natural gas delivered to electric generators averages $3.13/mmbtu this summer, which is 46% higher than during summer 2020.