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Demand for gas was up by almost a fifth in November as temperatures plummeted around the country.

The usage of gas for domestic purposes was up 16% on the previous month and was up 7% on the same month last year.

It comes as consumers are being hit with higher energy costs as inflation impacts energy markets in particular.

All providers of gas and electricity have raised their prices this year with most providers raising on multiple occasions.

According to Gas Networks Ireland, year-to-date residential demand for gas was 4% ahead of the first eleven months of 2020.

“As we head into Christmas and the end of the year, colder weather is taking hold and the traditional heating season has now begun in earnest,” Gas Networks Ireland’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, Brian Mullins, said.

Demand was also higher in a number of other sectors of the economy as restrictions were lifted relative to last year, albeit with some re-imposition towards the end of the period.

Office demand for gas was up 50%, retail demand was 35% higher while usage in hotels was up 16% on October.

Gas was the largest contributor to electricity generation in November, meeting 38% of the country’s power requirements. It peaked at 68%. A low of 12% was recorded.

Wind generation met just over a third of the country’s electricity demand, peaking at 77%.

However, at times it provided as little as 1% of the country’s energy needs.

“The role of gas in supporting intermittent wind generation was again evident this month, with Storm Barra also highlighting the strength and resilience of our network and the benefit of an underground energy system,” Mr Mullins said.

Coal was used to generate 17% of the country’s electricity needs in November.

Peat and oil contributed 2% each, with other renewables and demand management providing the balance.

Article Source – Demand for gas rises as temperatures drop – RTE – Brian Finn

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