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.

Key information about United States Electricity Production

• Electricity Production in United States reached 361,284 GWh in Dec 2024, compared with 324,033 GWh in the previous month.
• Electricity Production data of US is updated monthly averaging at 294,691 GWh from Jan 1973 to Dec 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 430,288 GWh in Jul 2024 and a record low of 139,589 GWh in Apr 1973.

US energy production measures total energy production by nuclear, coal, crude oil and natural gas plant liquids, renewables and dry natural gas. Total energy production includes direct-use energy, energy derived from refined products and electricity generated from nuclear, coal, renewables and gas power plants. Data is sourced from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) and is measured in quadrillions of British thermal units (BTUs).

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.

Power Plants in the U.S.This feature layer, utilizing data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), depicts all operable electric generating plants by energy source in the U.S. This includes plants that are operating, on standby, or short- or long-term out of service. The data covers all plants with a combined nameplate capacity of 1 MW (Megawatt) or more.Per EIA, "The United States uses many different energy sources and technologies to generate electricity. The sources and technologies have changed over time, and some are used more than others. The three major categories of energy for electricity generation are fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources. Most electricity is generated with steam turbines using fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, and solar thermal energy. Other major electricity generation technologies include gas turbines, hydro turbines, wind turbines, and solar photovoltaics."Madison Gas & Electric Company, Sycamore Power PlantData currency: This cached Esri service is checked monthly for updates from its federal source (Power Plants)Data modification: NoneFor more information, please visit:Electricity ExplainedEIA-860, Annual Electric Generator ReportEIA-860M, Monthly Update to the Annual Electric Generator ReportEIA-923, Power Plant Operations ReportSupport documentation: MetadataFor feedback: ArcGIScomNationalMaps@esri.comEnergy Information AdministrationPer EIA, "The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment."

The attribute data for this point dataset come from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, EIA-860, Annual Electric Generator Report; EIA-860M, Monthly Update to the Annual Electric Generator Report; and EIA-923, Power Plant Operations Report. It includes all operable plants by energy source with a combined nameplate capacity of 1 megawatt or more that are operating, are on standby, or out of service for short- or long-term.

The net summer capacity of the electric power sector in the United States was estimated at 1.2 terawatts in 2024. This figure is expected to increase by more than 97 percent in the coming three decades, reaching almost three terawatts by 2050.

United States US: Electricity Production From Oil Sources: % of Total data was reported at 0.904 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.923 % for 2014. United States US: Electricity Production From Oil Sources: % of Total data is updated yearly, averaging 4.834 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2015, with 56 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.167 % in 1977 and a record low of 0.774 % in 2012. United States US: Electricity Production From Oil 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. Oil refers to crude oil and petroleum products.; ; 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Nuclear energy remains the most capital-intensive energy source in the United States, with estimated costs ranging from 8,765 to 14,400 U.S. dollars per kilowatt in 2024. This high investment requirement reflects the complex infrastructure and safety measures needed for nuclear power plants. Despite the high costs, nuclear energy plays a significant role in the U.S. energy sector, accounting for around 20 percent of the country’s electricity generation in 2023. Cost comparison of U.S. energy sources While nuclear energy tops the list in capital costs, other energy sources present varying levels of investment. Offshore wind power, for instance, requires substantial upfront capital, with estimates ranging from 3,750 to 5,750 U.S. dollars per kilowatt. In contrast, utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems offer more affordable options, with capital costs between 850 and 1,400 U.S. dollars per kilowatt. These differences in capital costs contribute to the overall levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), which factors in lifetime expenses and energy production. Onshore wind energy and utility-scale solar PV boasted the lowest unsubsidized LCOE in the U.S. in 2024. Renewable energy trends in the United States The U.S. energy landscape is evolving, and renewable energy supply has grown significantly owing to federal policies that have made it more affordable. The Biden administration has bolstered clean energy projects, resulting in solar PV accounting for 66 percent of the total electricity capacity additions in 2024. The funds of the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) have also heavily boosted the domestic onshore and offshore wind sector. However, the renewable energy sector is projected to face challenges under President Trump, who has called for revoking IRA investments and slowing the growth in the country’s wind generation capacity.

United States US: Electricity Production From Hydroelectric Sources: % of Total data was reported at 5.842 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 6.054 % for 2014. United States US: Electricity Production From Hydroelectric Sources: % of Total data is updated yearly, averaging 9.342 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2015, with 56 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18.881 % in 1962 and a record low of 4.904 % in 2001. United States US: Electricity Production From Hydroelectric 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. Hydropower refers to electricity produced by hydroelectric power plants.; ; 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.

Geospatial data about US Power Plants. Export to CAD, GIS, PDF, CSV and access via API.

United States Total Energy Consumption data was reported at 93.691 BTU qn in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 94.812 BTU qn for 2022. United States Total Energy Consumption data is updated yearly, averaging 92.977 BTU qn from Dec 1980 (Median) to 2023, with 44 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 98.965 BTU qn in 2007 and a record low of 70.489 BTU qn in 1983. United States Total Energy Consumption 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.EIA.IES: Energy Production and Consumption: Annual.

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 US: Electricity Production From Renewable Sources: Excluding Hydroelectric data was reported at 317,421,000,000.000 kWh in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 298,023,000,000.000 kWh for 2014. United States US: Electricity Production From Renewable Sources: Excluding Hydroelectric data is updated yearly, averaging 12,867,000,000.000 kWh from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2015, with 56 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 317,421,000,000.000 kWh in 2015 and a record low of 122,000,000.000 kWh in 1960. United States US: Electricity Production From Renewable Sources: Excluding Hydroelectric 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. Electricity production from renewable sources, excluding hydroelectric, includes geothermal, solar, tides, wind, biomass, and biofuels.; ; IEA Statistics © OECD/IEA 2014 (http://www.iea.org/stats/index.asp), subject to https://www.iea.org/t&c/termsandconditions/; Sum; Restricted use: Please contact the International Energy Agency for third-party use of these data.