Gas demand rises 15 per cent in November as heating use increases

Gas Networks Ireland’s latest Gas Demand Statement shows that overall gas demand increased by 15 per cent in November compared to the previous month, as households, businesses and public buildings turned up the heat during a wet, unsettled month that marked the transition into winter¹.  

Year-on-year overall gas demand fell by 8 per cent, mainly driven by the 13 percent decrease in gas fired generation. 

The biggest monthly increase came from the residential sector, where gas demand rose by 57 per cent, as colder conditions in the second half of the month prompted households to switch on their heating more frequently. Several other sectors also recorded month-on-month gas demand increases, including education campuses² (+47 per cent), leisure /sports arenas (+34 per cent), retail (+23 per cent), hotels (+14 per cent) and offices³ (+11 per cent).  

Electricity generation 

Gas generated 42 per cent of Ireland’s electricity in November, up from 39 per cent in October but nine percentage points lower than November 2024 (51 per cent). Gas’s contribution to electricity generation peaked at 79 per cent and did not fall below 16 per cent at any point during the month⁴. 

Wind energy generated 35 per cent of electricity, similar to October’s 36 per cent and six percentage points higher than November last year (29 per cent). Solar contributed one per cent. 

Despite strong renewable energy contributions, both wind and solar output fell away almost completely at times, highlighting the continued need for flexible gas generation to ensure a secure and reliable electricity supply. 

Commenting on the November data, Gas Networks Ireland’s Director of Strategy and Regulation Edwina Nyhan, said: 

“November’s data clearly shows the impact that weather patterns have on both energy use and electricity generation. With a very mild first half of the month giving way to cooler conditions later, household gas demand rose and we also saw strong increases across education, retail and other key sectors. Gas continued to provide vital support for the electricity system throughout the month particularly when renewable energy generation fell to low levels.” 

^{1Climate Statement for November 2025 - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service} 

^{2 ‘Education’ refers to large educational campuses} 

^{3 ‘Offices’ refers to large office campuses} 

^{4 All peak and low measurements recorded over a 15-minute resolution}