Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) (2024)

In 2023, about 4,178 billion kilowatthours (kWh) (or about 4.18 trillion kWh) of electricity were generated at utility-scale electricity generation facilities in the United States.1 About 60% of this electricity generation was from fossil fuels—coal, natural gas, petroleum, and other gases. About 19% was from nuclear energy, and about 21% was from renewable energy sources.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that an additional 73.62 billion kWh of electricity generation was from small-scale solar photovoltaic systems in 2023.2

U.S. utility-scale electricity generation by source, amount, and share of total in 2023

Energy sourceBillion kWhShare of total
Total - all sources4,178
Fossil fuels (total)2,50560.0%
Natural gas1,80243.1%
Coal675
16.2%
Petroleum (total)16
0.4%
Petroleum liquids120.3%
Petroleum co*ke50.1%
Other gases3110.3%
Nuclear77518.6%
Renewables (total)89421.4%
Wind425
10.2%
Hydropower2405.7%
Solar (total)
165
3.9%
Photovoltaic162
3.9%
Solar thermal3
0.1%
Biomass (total)471.1%
Wood310.8%
Landfill gas80.2%
Municipal solid waste (biogenic)6
0.1%
Other biomass waste2
0.1%
Geothermal160.4%
Pumped storage hydropower4-6-0.1%
Other sources5100.2%
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, February 2024; preliminary data
1 Utility-scale electricity generation is electricity generation from power plants with at least one megawatt (or 1,000 kilowatts) of total electricity generating capacity. Data are for net electricity generation.
2 Small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are electricity generators with less than one megawatt (MW) of electricity generating capacity, which are not connected at a power plant that has a combined capacity of one MW or larger. Most small-scale PV systems are at or near the location where the electricity is consumed and many are net metered systems. Smaller PV systems are usually installed on building rooftops.
3 Other gases includes blast furnace gas and other manufactured and waste gases derived from fossil fuels.
4 Pumped storage hydroelectricity generation is negative because most pumped storage electricity generation facilities use more electricity than they produce on an annual basis. Most pumped storage systems use electricity from an electric power grid for pumping water to the storage component of the system.
5 Other (utility-scale) sources includes non-biogenic municipal solid waste, batteries, hydrogen, purchased steam, sulfur, tire-derived fuel, and other miscellaneous energy sources.

Learn more:
Electric Power Monthly: Chapter 1: Net Generation
Electric Power Annual: Chapter 3: Net Generation
Monthly Energy Review: Electricity
Energy Explained: Electricity in the United States

Last updated: February 29, 2024, with data from the Electric Power Monthly, February 2024. Data are preliminary for 2023.


Other FAQs about Electricity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) (2024)

FAQs

Is the US Energy Information Administration a reliable source? ›

EIA is the Nation's premier source of energy information and, by law, its data, analyses, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the United States Government.

How does the EIA collect data? ›

EIA collects information about electric power plants through two annual surveys (Form EIA-860, Annual Electric Generator Report, and Form EIA-923, Power Plant Operations Report) that have monthly supplements.

What is EIA in energy? ›

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the statistical agency of the Department of Energy. It provides policy-independent data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and public understanding regarding energy, and its interaction with the economy and the environment.

What is the EIA short term energy outlook? ›

Each month, the STEO provides forecasts through the end of the next calendar year for consumption, supply, trade, and prices across major fuel types. In addition, the STEO provides in-depth market analysis for crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas markets.

Is IEA a good source? ›

The IEA's energy analyses, international data collection, and coordinated collective emergency response capabilities are unique and highly regarded.

Who funds the US Energy Information Administration? ›

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) receives funding through an annual appropriation from Congress. EIA's budget falls under the authority of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Energy and Water Development.

What is the EIA tool used to identify? ›

UNEP defines Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making.

What is the purpose of the EIA? ›

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool used to assess the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. EIAs make sure that project decision makers think about the likely effects on the environment at the earliest possible time and aim to avoid, reduce or offset those effects.

What are the tools used in EIA data collection? ›

The main EIA techniques used in scoping are baseline studies, checklists, matrices and network diagrams. These techniques collect and present knowledge and information in a straightforward way so that logical decisions can be made about which impacts are most significant.

What is the main source of energy? ›

Fossil fuels are the largest sources of energy for electricity generation.

Which is not a form of energy? ›

Temperature is a measure of how hot or cold an object is. It is the measurement of the intensity of heat energy present in a body. Therefore, it is not a form of energy, but a measure of the intensity of one. Hence, the correct option is C) Temperature.

What is the difference between EIA and FERC? ›

The EIA is the independent statistical and analytical agency within the DOE. The FERC is an independent regulatory commission within the DOE which has jurisdiction primarily in the regulation of electric utilities and the interstate natural gas industry.

Is the EIA part of the Department of Energy? ›

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy.

What is the EIA Energy Outlook for 2024? ›

Our forecast for all of 2024 averages about $2.20/MMBtu. Electricity consumption. We expect hotter summer temperatures this year compared with last year will increase residential electricity consumption by almost 4% in 2024 compared with last year.

What percentage of the United States energy comes from oil? ›

Energy Sources in the United States

Natural gas: 31.8% Petroleum (crude oil and natural gas plant liquids): 28% Coal: 17.8% Renewable energy: 12.7%

What is the most reliable energy source in America? ›

Currently, nuclear power is the most reliable.

Is the U.S. Department of Energy Real? ›

The Department of Energy (DOE) manages the United States' nuclear infrastructure and administers the country's energy policy. The Department of Energy also funds scientific research in the field.

How do you cite the US Energy Information Administration? ›

However, if you use or reproduce any of our information products, you should use an acknowledgment, which includes the publication date, such as: "Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Oct 2008)."

Is U.S. energy a real company? ›

U.S. Energy is an ISO 14001 certified company which follows Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance (ESG) criteria in their daily operations.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Nathanial Hackett

Last Updated:

Views: 6092

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Nathanial Hackett

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

Phone: +9752624861224

Job: Forward Technology Assistant

Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.