Powering the future: Natural gas and the new energy landscape

Three emerging factors are putting unprecedented stress on the U.S. electric grid: explosive growth in data centers, increased reliance on renewables and evolving state-level carbon reduction policies. In an article in Western Energy Institute’s WE Magazine Spring issue, Spire Midstream President Scott Smith explains how natural gas infrastructure can provide the consistent backbone needed to meet surging electricity demand and fuel a more reliable and resilient energy future. 

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Spire Midstream announces new director of marketing

Spire Midstream is pleased to welcome Annette Anderson as the director of marketing. Anderson brings more than two decades of experience in the natural gas industry, holding key marketing, business development and strategy roles at Enable Midstream, ConocoPhillips and Kinder Morgan. At Spire Midstream, Anderson will lead the company’s marketing effort for storage and transportation services.

Mid-Continent update: Natural gas storage and renewable growth 

Recent research from the American Gas Association highlights the increasing need for natural gas storage as energy demand surges with data center and manufacturing growth. Strategic investments in underground and LNG facilities are recommended to support grid reliability and resilience. In the Midwest, companies such as Ameren are increasing their renewable and gas-fired generation while retiring existing coal capacity. This shift reflects similar challenges faced in the Western market, where integrating renewables with reliable gas storage is key to meeting demand. 

Meeting growing energy needs in the Northwest

^{Spire Midstream team members at the recent NWGA annual conference.}

Spire Midstream attended the Northwest Gas Association’s Energy Annual Conference in Sunriver, Oregon, where leaders emphasized the need for regional collaboration to meet rising energy demands and navigate evolving policy landscapes. Attendees reviewed a new analysis of industry studies highlighting growing electricity load, nearly double previous projections, driven by data centers, manufacturing and decarbonization efforts. The findings underscored gaps in electric and gas system planning and affirmed natural gas generation’s essential role in maintaining reliability and 
resilience amid rapid change.

Spire Midstream attends Energy Management Conference

Spire Midstream recently attended Western Energy Institute’s Energy Management Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, where industry leaders discussed the region’s demand outlook and factors influencing natural gas delivery. Key topics discussed and top of mind for participants include how to balance regulatory and infrastructure challenges with customer demand and how to navigate the data center boom. 

What we’re reading

FierceNetwork, Data Center Growth Has Sparked a Natural Gas ‘Gold Rush’
Rising electricity demand from AI-driven data center growth is accelerating the need for reliable power sources, with natural gas emerging as a key solution. U.S. natural gas generation is expected to increase significantly as energy providers race to meet the surge in demand. Industry momentum is building quickly, as providers report heightened activity and more contract discussions.

U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook
Natural gas markets are tightening heading into summer as strong export demand and rising power sector use drive up prices. The Henry Hub spot price forecast is averaging around $4.00/MMBtu in 2025 and $4.90/MMBtu in 2026 – well above 2024 levels. Higher commercial electricity demand, especially from data centers, is contributing to increased natural gas consumption for power generation. With hot summer weather and limited production growth, midstream operators should anticipate elevated seasonal demand and continued pressure on supply through 2026.

Let’s connect

Spire Midstream is attending the following conferences. 
•    LDC Gas Forum Rockies & West in Denver, Colorado, from August 11-13
•    LDC Gas Forum Mid-Continent in Chicago, Illinois, from September 8-10

Let’s connect if you’ll be at either of these events, too.

We’re here to support you

If you have questions or want to learn more about how Spire Midstream and our services can support you, please contact us:

Storage Commercial: Stephen Heath, 281-703-1312
Marketing: Annette Anderson, 281-455-4401
New Projects: Laura Kleckley, 205-410-1956
Pipeline Commercial: Cy Zebot, 772-766-4013
Midstream Operations: Scott Smith, 281-381-8912  

For natural gas storage-related services, you can also contact us at storagecommercial@spireenergy.com.