US: EIA forecasts further drop in coal use for power generation due to low natural gas prices

摘要

US power companies will switch to using cheaper natural gas to generate electricity, causing nation's coal consumption to fall well below 900 million short tons for this and next year, said the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Henry Hub natural gas prices recently fell to a 10-year low below US$2 million BTU and will likely remain low for some time while delivered coal prices are expected to rise 5.8% to US$2.40 million BTU, continuing the rising trend over the last 10 years.