Overall gas demand fell by 22% in February on a monthly basis after higher demand during the colder conditions in January, new figures show today.
Despite the monthly decline, demand increased by 8% compared to February 2025.
Gas Networks Ireland said the drop in February gas demand was mainly driven by lower use in electricity generation, while there was also a decrease in demand from the residential sector.
Today's figures show that gas demand for power generation decreased by 25% in February from January, while residential demand fell by 22%.
But compared with February last year, gas demand for power generation increased by 17%.
Gas Network Ireland said that gas generated 36% of the country's electricity in February, up from 31% the same time last year but down from the rate of 43% in January.
It noted the contribution from gas to electricity generation peaked at 67% during the month and never fell below 12%.
Wind generation accounted for 41% of electricity in February, eight percentage points higher than the 33% recorded in January, but seven percentage points lower than February last year at 48%. Wind output peaked at 77% and dropped to 1% at its lowest.
Meanwhile, solar generation contributed 1% of electricity in February.
Gas Networks Ireland's Director of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan, said today's figures show how gas demand can change month to month depending on weather dependent renewable electricity generation.
"While February saw lower overall demand compared with January, gas continued to play a key role in supporting Ireland's electricity system, particularly during periods when renewable output was lower," she said.
"The flexibility of gas-fired generation remains critical in maintaining a secure and reliable energy supply for homes and businesses across Ireland," she added.
