Finance

Winter storm Fern tests U.S. energy supply; nat gas jumps 70%

Winter storm Fern is projected to disrupt energy and power production across a broad swath of the U.S., with impact varying by region and infrastructure. The upheaval comes as natural gas prices have surged about 70% in under two weeks, underscoring the fragility of the current energy mix.

Winter storm Fern tests U.S. energy supply; nat gas jumps 70%

Key Takeaways

  • Fern is expected to disrupt energy and power production nationwide, with regional variations.
  • Natural gas prices have jumped ~70% in under two weeks, signaling supply tightness.
  • Excelerate Energy (EE) stock has risen about 28% in January 2026 (month-to-date).
  • Uri 2021 wiped out roughly 30 Bcf/d of daily nat gas production, about one-third of U.S. output.
  • Analysts see upside for nat gas producers (AR 29.6%, EOG 24%, EXE 21%, CTRA 18% per FactSet).

People Involved

  • Brian SullivanAuthor

Entities Involved

  • Excelerate Energy (EE)Natural gas shipping and LNG logistics company
  • Exxon Mobil (XOM)Integrated energy company

MarketMoodz Analysis

Fern injects near-term volatility into energy markets. Investors should expect shifts in natural gas prices, utility bills, and stocks tied to pipelines and LNG exporters.

Uri 2021’s disruption showed the vulnerability of U.S. gas supply, with about 30 Bcf/d (roughly one-third of output) pulled from the market; today’s dynamics are more nuanced, with tight supply and firm demand driving prices higher.

What to watch next: monitor Henry Hub futures and EIA data for evolving supply/demand, track operator shut-ins and grid resilience investments, and keep an eye on a proposed watchlist of energy names (ET, OKE, KMI, EPD, WMB) and LNG players (LNG, VG, XOM) for potential moves as Fern unfolds.

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