EIA: US Lower 48 NatGas Storage Capacity Up 6 Bcf in 2025

SECAUCUS, NJ (DTN) – Underground working natural gas storage capacity in the Lower 48 states increased slightly in 2025, driven by expansions in the South Central and Mountain regions amid gains in both demonstrated peak capacity and working gas design capacity, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed Wednesday (6/3).

Demonstrated peak capacity for the Lower 48 states rose 0.1%, or 6 billion cubic feet (Bcf), in 2025 to mark a third consecutive annual increase, the EIA noted. This measurement reflects the sum of the highest working gas volumes stored in each field over the prior five years.

Regionally, demonstrated peak capacity climbed by 16 Bcf in the South Central region and 18 Bcf in the Mountain region. Conversely, capacity fell by 15 Bcf in the East, 8 Bcf in the Pacific, and 5 Bcf in the Midwest.

Total working gas design capacity across the Lower 48 states grew by 26 Bcf to 4,683 Bcf as of November 2025. Design capacity represents the official nameplate limit based on certified engineering, physical reservoir characteristics, and installed equipment.

The South Central region posted the largest design capacity addition with a 21 Bcf increase, while the Mountain region rose by 6 Bcf. Meanwhile, design capacity in the East region fell by 2 Bcf due to base gas adjustments.

Design capacity levels in both the Pacific and Midwest regions remained completely unchanged from the previous year. Demonstrated peak capacity historically trails design capacity because it tracks actual historical usage rather than potential theoretical maximums.