Frequently Asked Questions
How much of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are associated with electricity generation?
Total U.S. energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by the electric power sector in 2011 were 2,166 million metric tons, or about 40% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions.
CO2 emissions from U.S. electricity generation by source, 20111
| Source | Million Metric Tons | Share of Total |
| Coal | 1,718 | 79% |
| Natural Gas | 411 | 19% |
| Petroleum | 25 | 1% |
| Other2 | 11 | 1% |
| Total | 2,166 |
1Preliminary 2011 data.
2Miscellaneous wastes and from geothermal power generation.
Learn More:
Monthly Energy Review, Tables 12.1 and 12.6, contain most recent estimates of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions, total and by the electric power sector.
Electric Power Annual, Table 3.9, contains historical data on CO2 emissions from all electricity generation (conventional power plants and combined-heat-and-power plants).
What are Greenhouse Gases and how much are emitted by the United States?
Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the United States contains EIA's detailed annual estimates of emissions for all reported greenhouse gases.
Last updated: June 22, 2012
Other FAQs about Electricity
- Can I choose the electricity supplier where I live?
- Can I generate and sell electricity to an electric utility?
- Does EIA have city or county-level energy consumption and price data?
- Does EIA have county-level energy production data?
- Does EIA have data on peak and hourly electricity demand?
- Does EIA have electricity prices by state?
- Does EIA have information on the service territories of U.S. electric utilities?
- Does EIA have maps or information on the location of electric power plants and transmission lines?
- Does EIA publish electric utility rate, tariff, and demand charge data?
- How is electricity used in U.S. homes?
- How many and what kind of power plants are there in the United States?
- How many nuclear power plants are in the U.S. and where are they located?
- How many smart meters are installed in the U.S. and who has them?
- How much coal, natural gas, or petroleum is used to generate a kilowatt-hour of electricity?
- How much does it cost to build different types of power plants in the United States?
- How much does it cost to generate electricity with different types of power plants?
- How much electricity does a typical nuclear power plant generate?
- How much electricity does an American home use?
- How much electricity is lost in transmission and distribution in the United States?
- How much electricity is used for cooling in the United States?
- How much electricity is used for lighting in the United States?
- How much energy is consumed in the world by each sector?
- How much of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are associated with electricity generation?
- How old are U.S. power plants?
- What is U.S. electricity generation by energy source?
- What is a capacity factor?
- What is the difference between electricity generation capacity and electricity generation?
- What is the efficiency of different types of power plants?
- What is the outlook for home heating fuel prices this winter?
- What percentage of world energy consumption and electricity generation comes from renewable energy?
- What types and amounts of energy are produced in each state?
- Where can I find information on individual power plants in the U.S.?