Gas Networks Ireland's latest Gas Demand Statement reports that total gas usage in May 2026 increased by six per cent compared with May 2025, reflecting sustained momentum across commercial and service industries while gas continued to support the electricity system.

Across the commercial and service economy in May, gas demand rose. Retail consumption climbed 18 per cent year on year, usage in office complexes increased by 14 per cent, and hotels were up six per cent, pointing to stronger trading conditions and preparations for the peak summer period.

Demand also strengthened versus a year earlier across essential services, including healthcare, underlining the critical role that a secure and continuous gas supply plays for organisations that rely on dependable energy to run day-to-day operations.

Taken together, these indicators show that gas remains a key foundation for Ireland's economy and for many everyday services.

Gas again played a central role in power generation, supplying 40 per cent of Ireland's electricity in May, up from 35 per cent in April and matching the share recorded in May 2025. Gas-fired output peaked at 93 per cent¹ during the month and did not fall below 17 per cent¹.

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Wind provided 28 per cent of electricity and solar reached a record eight per cent, aided by favourable weather. However, renewable output fluctuated across the month, highlighting the importance of flexible gas-fired generation in maintaining security of supply.

Commenting on the latest figures, Gas Networks Ireland's Director of Strategy and Regulation, Edwina Nyhan, said: "These figures demonstrate the vital role gas continues to play in supporting Ireland's economy, essential services and the electricity system. We are seeing increased demand from a broad range of commercial, industrial and public service sectors, reflecting the strength of economic activity across the country.

"At the same time, gas-fired generation continued to provide the flexibility needed to support Ireland's electricity system when renewable output varied. As renewable generation continues to increase, flexible gas generation will remain an essential part of maintaining a secure, reliable and resilient energy system."

Gas Networks Ireland has also published its Summer Outlook 2026², which projects that gas demand between April and September will be about three per cent lower than last summer, primarily due to an expected reduction in gas use for power generation as renewable electricity increases over the period.

Even so, gas-fired plants are forecast to deliver around 34 per cent of Ireland's electricity during summer 2026, ensuring reliable supply when renewable output ebbs and continuing to provide essential support to the electricity market.

1 Peak and low shares measured at 15-minute resolution.

2 Gas Networks Ireland’s Summer Outlook sets out the demand and supply outlook for summer 2026 (April to September 2026) for both Republic of Ireland gas demand and the Gas Networks Ireland system demand. The report is available here: www.gasnetworks.ie/sites/default/files/2026-06/Summer-Outlook-2026_0.pdf