Strong Canadian polar winds continue to stream across the U.S. Midwest and NE regions this week (12.8 through 12.12) bringing more freezing temperatures and snow. Heating and electricity demand is soaring. Many metropolitan areas will be unable to meet affordable electricity as peak usage brings higher rate prices. Natural gas prices (HH) will likely exceed $6.00 / Million Btu this week. Why?

Poor climate energy policies administrated on state and national levels during the Covid years (2021-2024) restricted natural gas electric plant and pipeline construction in favor of solar, wind and renewable power development. Seasonal cold weather and economic growth require affordable, sustainable and scalable electric-power generation capacity. 

Natural gas consumption is breaking records in 2025 from robust LNG exports, AI/data center electric demand growth and winter weather. Restricted natural gas deliverability and electric generation capacity are driving natural gas prices upward. More natural gas-fired electric generation plants are required along with more pipelines connecting producers to consumers.

Energy policies need to incentivize natural gas pipeline buildout and gas-fired power generation. Capital investment and policy decision changes are underway. The Trump Administration started such efforts in January 2025. Slow to respond, New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) finally approved permits for Williams’ Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) natural gas pipeline recently (November 7, 2025). The Williams pipeline is New York state’s first new gas pipeline in over a decade. The NESE is only 24 miles long. However, NYC’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani opposes fossil fuel development of all types. Chicago and Illinois are in a similar position needing affordable electric to meet residential, business and data demand. A very cold and expensive December is here for the Midwest and Northeastern United States.