The U.S Energy Information Administration expects coal-fired electricity generation to jump 22% over last year’s usage levels in 2021, according to The Washington Times. The increase marks coal-fired power’s first year-over-year increase since 2014.

The uptick in coal-fired generation has been fueled by the rising cost of natural gas, which began climbing in April and hit a 13-year high earlier this month.

“The U.S. electric power sector has been generating more electricity from coal-fired power plants this year as a result of significantly higher natural gas prices and relatively stable coal prices,” the EIA said in its October short-term energy outlook.

Additionally, coal is seeing increases in China and Europe, which are also trying to overcome pent-up pandemic demand.

Learn more: The Washington Times > Climate backfire: Coal-fired power jumps as natural gas prices soar