A process for satisfying variable power demand and a method for maximizing the monetary value of a synthesis gas stream are disclosed. One or more synthesis gas streams (18; 20; 26) are produced by gasification of carbonaceous materials and passed to a power producing zone (38) to produce electrical power during a period of peak power demand or to a chemical producing zone (54) to produce chemicals such as, for example, methanol, during a period of off-peak power demand. The power-producing zone (38) and the chemical-production zone (54) which are operated cyclically and substantially out of phase in which one or more of the combustion turbines are shut down during a period of off-peak power demand and the syngas fuel diverted to the chemical producing zone. This out of phase cyclical operational mode allows for the power producing zone (38) to maximize electricity output with the high thermodynamic efficiency and for the chemical producing zone (54) to maximize chemical production with the high stoichiometric efficiency. The economic potential of the combined power and chemical producing zones is enhanced.