Natural Gas System Shows Resilience During Winter Storm Fern, Report Finds
A report commissioned by the Natural Gas Council has highlighted the resilience of the U.S. natural gas system during Winter Storm Fern. The analysis, conducted by Energy Ventures Analysis, found that despite the prolonged cold weather, natural gas utilities and pipeline operators maintained service without disruptions. The storm, characterized by sustained below-normal temperatures across the Central and Eastern United States, pushed natural gas demand to near-record levels. The report emphasized the effectiveness of recent winterization investments made after Winter Storm Uri in 2021. However, it also pointed out infrastructure constraints, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, which contribute to price volatility and reliability risks during high demand periods. The report recommends accelerating the development of new pipeline and storage projects, expanding winterization efforts, and implementing reforms to improve fuel security for electric generation markets. 
