Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity is lost in transmission and distribution in the United States?
According to EIA data, national, annual electricity transmission and distribution losses average about 7% of the electricity that is transmitted in the United States.
EIA has estimates for total annual losses related to electricity transmission and distribution (T&D) and other losses in the State Electricity Profiles.
National level data are in the U.S. Total Profile (see link a bottom left of the Profiles page). The data are in "Table 10: Supply and Disposition of Electricity" of each Profile; scroll down each Profile page to find Table 10 and see the row for Estimated Losses in the Table.
To calculate T&D losses as a percentage, divide Estimated Losses by the result of Total Disposition minus Direct Use. Direct Use electricity is electricity that is generated at facilities that is not put onto the electricity transmission and distribution grid, and therefore does not contribute to T&D losses.
Last updated: July 9, 2012
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