Gas demand continued to climb in most sectors of the economy in August in line as Covid-19 restrictions eased and preparations for the new academic year started.
In its latest monthly demand statement, Gas Networks Ireland noted that demand from larger educational facilities was up by 7% on July as they prepared for the first day of class.
900 schools across Ireland use the gas network for their energy needs.
Today's report also shows that gas demand from offices grew by 15% on a monthly basis and is expected to continue on an upward trend as workers start returning to offices - albeit under hybrid models.
Demand from the retail sector also continues to show strong signs, up 30% on the same time last year.
Gas demand is up across a number of sectors, including travel (23%), leisure (21%), construction (18%), manufacturing (12%), hospitals (10%) and pharma (7%), today's reports shows.
Meanwhile, gas demand in heavy commercial transport continues to grow - rising by 43%.
It was supported by the opening of two new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations last month in Limerick City and Clonshaugh in North Dublin.
Gas demand from the residential and smaller SME sectors was up 8% in August compared to the same time last year, with colder weather conditions playing a role in this increased demand.
Gas Networks Ireland's Head of Regulatory Affairs, Brian Mullins, said that as society and the economy edge closer to a new normal, most sectors of the economy are re-opening.
"This, combined with a drop in temperatures, has seen gas demand continue to rise month-on-month. We expect to see further growth in the coming months in line with normal demand patterns," he said
"Gas-fired generation continues to play a key part in meeting Ireland's electricity generation requirements, meeting up to 82% of demand during August amidst what is, at times, a tight electricity system at present," he added.
In today's report, Gas Networks Ireland noted that gas demand in electricity generation remained stable, with gas providing 55% of electricity in August.
It noted that wind recovered after a calm July to provide 22% of electricity generation, with coal steady at 11%. The contribution of electricity imports from the UK dropped significantly to under 6%.
At its peak gas provided 82% of electricity, with a low of 23%.
Wind varied from less than 1% to just over 69%, while coal’s contribution to electricity generation ranged between 0% and 18%.
