In the United States, electricity derived from coal has decreased over the past two decades, with the annual output declining by almost 65 percent between 2010 and 2024. In contrast, there has been a rise in natural gas and renewable sources within the energy mix. How is electricity generated in the U.S.? Most electricity in the U.S. is generated from steam turbines, which can be powered by fossil and nuclear fuels, biomass, geothermal, and solar thermal energy. Other systems such as gas turbines, hydro turbines, wind turbines, and solar photovoltaics are also major generation technologies. Electric utilities in the U.S. generated more than 2,241 terawatt hours in 2024, accounting for just over half of the power output in the country that year. Growing renewable capacity Renewable sources have become more prominent in the U.S. over the past years, particularly wind, hydro, and solar energy. The former has overtaken conventional hydropower, becoming the leading renewable energy source in the U.S. since 2019. Wind and solar power have also accounted for the largest share of electricity capacity additions in the country in recent years.

The United States generated ***** terawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, one of the largest figures recorded in the indicated period. In comparison to the previous year, power generation decreased by *** terawatt-hours. U.S. electricity market and the role of renewables Unlike the use of fossil fuels, U.S. renewable electricity generation has increased in recent years, amounting to more than *** terawatt-hours in 2023. Wind power has become the main renewable source of electricity generation in the North American country, having surpassed conventional hydroelectric power in 2019. Who are the main consumers of electricity? The residential sector was ranked as the largest consumer of electricity in the United States in 2023. Electricity retail sales to residential users have grown by almost *** terawatt-hours since the beginning of the century.

Graph and download economic data for Electric Power Production for United States (M01128USM247NNBR) from Jan 1919 to Dec 1938 about electricity, production, and USA.

Throughout the past decade, the United States has been notably decreasing its use of coal, and increasing the use of natural gas and renewable energy sources for electricity generation. In 2024, natural gas was by far the largest source of electricity in the North American country, with a generation share of 43 percent. Renewable energy's share amounted to 24 percent that year.

This deposit combines data from https://doi.org/10.3886/E146782V1 and https://doi.org/10.3886/E146801V1 to produce files containing the hourly generation, costs, and capacities of virtually all power plants in the lower 48 United States between 1999-2012 for their use in "Data and Code for: Imperfect Markets versus Imperfect Regulation in U.S. Electricity Generation" (https://doi.org/10.3886/E115467V1).

Graph and download economic data for Labor Productivity for Utilities: Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (NAICS 2211) in the United States (IPUCN2211L000000000) from 1987 to 2024 about power transmission, distributive, productivity, utilities, electricity, NAICS, labor, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Sources of Revenue: Sales of Energy and Resources - Electricity Generation and Distribution for Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, All Establishments, Employer Firms (REVSEGEF2211ALLEST) from 2013 to 2022 about power transmission, distributive, employer firms, accounting, revenue, electricity, energy, establishments, sales, services, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Industrial Production: Utilities: Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution (NAICS = 2211) (IPG2211S) from Jan 1972 to May 2025 about power transmission, distributive, electricity, IP, production, industry, indexes, and USA.

The size of the North America Distributed Power Generation Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 7.00">> 7.00% during the forecast period. Distributed power generation refers to the production of electricity from small, modular energy sources located close to the point of use, rather than centralized power plants. These systems, known as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), include solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Distributed generation reduces transmission and distribution losses, enhances grid reliability, and allows for greater integration of renewable energy sources. It also provides flexibility and resilience, as these systems can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. By generating electricity locally, distributed power generation can lower greenhouse gas emissions and support energy security. Recent developments include: In October 2022, LONGi, a leading solar technology company, announced its plan to expand its presence in Canada. As part of the expansion, the company is introducing its flagship distributed solar module, the Hi-MO 5 54-cell module, to the Canadian residential and commercial sector., In May 2022, Hanwha Q Cells announced its plans to build a 1.4 GW solar panel factory in the United States. The company also plans to invest USD 320 million in the expansion plan, of which USD 170 million will be devoted to constructing a 1.4 GW factory in the United States.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Declining Solar Panel Costs4.; Supportive Government Policies. Potential restraints include: 4., High Upfront Cost. Notable trends are: Solar PV Sector to Witness Significant Growth.

United States Electricity Generation data was reported at 10.729 kWh/Day bn in Mar 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 12.267 kWh/Day bn for Feb 2025. United States Electricity Generation data is updated monthly, averaging 10.486 kWh/Day bn from Jan 1991 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 411 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.886 kWh/Day bn in Jul 2024 and a record low of 7.593 kWh/Day bn in Apr 1991. United States Electricity Generation data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Energy Information Administration. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RB004: Electricity Supply and Consumption.

This data deposit constructs data on monthly generation costs and capacities in the United States from 1999-2012 in preparation for their use in "Imperfect Markets versus Imperfect Regulation in U.S. Electricity Generation" (openicpsr-115467).It builds panel data files from the following EIA forms:"Form EIA-860: Annual Electric Generator Report""Form EIA-861: Annual Electric Power Industry Report""Form EIA-767: Annual Steam-Electric Plant Operation and Design Report""Form EIA-923: Power Plant Operations Report""Form EIA-759/906/920/923: Power Plant Report""Form EIA-423: Monthly Cost and Quality of Fuels for Electric Plants Report"and the EPA's Continuous Emissions Monitor System.It constructs a crosswalk that connects the EPA's boilers to the EIA's generator identifiers.

In 2024, approximately ****** terawatt hours of power derived from renewable sources were generated in the United States. This figure represents a small decrease in comparison to the previous year, the peak in renewable electricity generation in the period of consideration.

US Power Market size was valued to be USD 363.6 Billion in the year 2024 and it is expected to reach USD 517 Billion in 2031, at a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period of 2024 to 2031.

The U.S. power market is driven by several key factors: the increasing demand for electricity, propelled by the rapid expansion of data centers and the electrification of transportation, necessitates significant investments in transmission infrastructure to enhance grid capacity and reliability. The growing emphasis on renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, is reshaping the energy mix, influenced by both economic factors and policy initiatives. Technological advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, are further transforming grid operations and energy management. Additionally, policy and regulatory frameworks, including government incentives and environmental regulations, play a crucial role in shaping market dynamics.

United States US: Electricity Production From Coal Sources: % of Total data was reported at 34.233 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 39.651 % for 2014. United States US: Electricity Production From Coal Sources: % of Total data is updated yearly, averaging 51.846 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2015, with 56 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 57.679 % in 1988 and a record low of 34.233 % in 2015. United States US: Electricity Production From Coal Sources: % of Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Energy Production and Consumption. Sources of electricity refer to the inputs used to generate electricity. Coal refers to all coal and brown coal, both primary (including hard coal and lignite-brown coal) and derived fuels (including patent fuel, coke oven coke, gas coke, coke oven gas, and blast furnace gas). Peat is also included in this category.; ; IEA Statistics © OECD/IEA 2014 (http://www.iea.org/stats/index.asp), subject to https://www.iea.org/t&c/termsandconditions/; Weighted average; Electricity production shares may not sum to 100 percent because other sources of generated electricity (such as geothermal, solar, and wind) are not shown. Restricted use: Please contact the International Energy Agency for third-party use of these data.

Graph and download economic data for Unit Labor Costs for Utilities: Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (NAICS 2211) in the United States (IPUCN2211U100000000) from 1987 to 2024 about power transmission, distributive, unit labor cost, utilities, electricity, NAICS, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Sectoral Output for Utilities: Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (NAICS 2211) in the United States (IPUCN2211T300000000) from 1987 to 2024 about power transmission, distributive, utilities, electricity, NAICS, production, and USA.

The North American thermal power market, encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is a mature yet dynamic sector characterized by a relatively low but steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 0.91% from 2019 to 2033. While the market size in 2025 is not explicitly provided, considering the historical period and projected growth, a reasonable estimate places it in the multi-billion dollar range, driven primarily by consistent energy demand in these densely populated regions. Key drivers include the continued reliance on existing infrastructure, particularly in regions with limited access to renewable energy sources. However, the market faces headwinds from increasing regulatory pressure to reduce carbon emissions and the growing adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. This transition creates challenges for coal-fired power plants, leading to potential plant closures and a shift towards cleaner-burning natural gas. The segment breakdown shows a significant share for gas-fired power plants, with coal gradually declining, while nuclear and other fuel types maintain their respective positions. Geographic variations exist, with the United States holding the largest market share due to its extensive energy consumption and existing power infrastructure. Growth within the North American thermal power market over the forecast period (2025-2033) will likely be influenced by government policies promoting energy efficiency and the integration of renewable energy. The sector will see continued investments in upgrading existing facilities to improve efficiency and reduce emissions, alongside a cautious expansion of gas-fired capacity in select regions. While the transition to renewable energy will continue, thermal power plants will remain a significant part of the energy mix in North America for the foreseeable future, especially as a reliable baseload power source. Companies like NextEra Energy, Dominion Energy, and Duke Energy will play key roles in navigating this transition, adapting their strategies to balance profitability with environmental sustainability. The market will also see a continued emphasis on grid modernization and smart grid technologies to improve integration and reliability across the entire power generation mix. Recent developments include: November 2023: GE Vernova’s Gas Power business announced that it would support the development of an end-to-end green hydrogen system that Duke Energy plans to build and operate at its DeBary plant, located in Volusia County, Florida, near Orlando. When operational in 2024, the new hydrogen system will provide peak power to Duke’s customers at times of increased electricity demand. The plant is expected to be the first in the United States and among the world’s first power plants to produce and use green hydrogen to power a gas turbine for peaking power applications when the grid requires additional electrical generation to meet demand. The production, storage, and end-use will be co-located at the DeBary power plant. GE Vernova will support the integration of the turbine with green hydrogen, including the upgrade of one of the four GE 7E gas turbines installed at the site to accommodate hydrogen fuel blends of significant volumes., November 2022: The United States Government announced that eight natural gas-fired combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants had come online in the United States. Based on estimates and data from the United States Monthly Electric Generator Inventory, these new plants were expected to add 7,775 megawatts (MW) of electric-generating capacity to the United States electric grid., May 2022: JERA Co., Inc., through its subsidiary JERA Americas Inc., entered into a stock purchase agreement with an affiliate of funds managed by Stonepeak for the acquisition of a 100% interest in the thermal power generation projects in Massachusetts and Maine in the United States. The two projects, which had a combined capacity of approximately 1.63 GW, are the Canal Thermal Power Station in Massachusetts and the Bucksport Thermal Power Station in Maine.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increasing Investments in Thermal Power Plants. Potential restraints include: 4., Increasing Investments in Thermal Power Plants. Notable trends are: Natural Gas to Dominate the Market.

The United States consumes 4.2 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and over half of that power is produced by the Coal and Natural Gas Power industry. Coal-based power has historically been the leading source of electricity in the United States. The outburst of natural gas availability and the implementation of burdensome environmental regulations have caused the industry to undergo a major structural transformation. Industry revenue is set to swell at a CAGR of 0.1% to $98.0 billion through 2024, including a 2.7% dip in 2024 alone. Gas-fired power overtook coal-fired power as the nation's primary electricity generation method in 2016. Not only had natural gas prices become significantly more affordable than coal, but highly efficient and low emissions combined cycle combustion engines were also gaining national traction. Unregulated wholesale markets provided a competitive battleground where more efficient independent power producers could offer their electricity to consumers at more affordable costs while still earning higher profit than coal-fired plants. While electric power consumption will swell, up to one-fifth of coal-based energy will be retired by the end of 2029 as the United States aims to achieve a renewable future. Natural gas will be important in helping deliver affordable and clean power throughout our nation. Even so, gas-fired power is already at risk in many states that are looking to cut emissions more drastically. The Inflation Reduction Act will push residential and commercial customers toward renewable energy systems, while renewable portfolio standards will bolster the number of renewable energy facilities across the country. The US Energy Information Administration also expects natural gas output to push down through 2029, hindering growth. Overall, revenue is set to push down at a CAGR of 3.6% to $81.6 billion through 2029.

United States - Sources of Revenue: Sales of Energy and Resources - Electricity Generation and Distribution for Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, All Establishments, Employer Firms was 520809.00000 Mil. of $ in January of 2022, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Sources of Revenue: Sales of Energy and Resources - Electricity Generation and Distribution for Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, All Establishments, Employer Firms reached a record high of 520809.00000 in January of 2022 and a record low of 407349.00000 in January of 2010. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Sources of Revenue: Sales of Energy and Resources - Electricity Generation and Distribution for Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, All Establishments, Employer Firms - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

State-level data on all energy sources. Data on production, consumption, reserves, stocks, prices, imports, and exports. Data are collated from state-specific data reported elsewhere on the EIA website and are the most recent values available. Data on U.S. territories also available.