Table 8.1. Average Operating Heat Rate for Selected Energy Sources,

2005 through 2015 (Btu per Kilowatthour)

Coal includes anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous and lignite coal. Waste coal and synthetic coal are included starting in 2002. Petroleum includes distillate fuel oil (all diesel and No. 1 and No. 2 fuel oils), residual fuel oil (No. 5 and No. 6 fuel oils and bunker C fuel oil, jet fuel, kerosene, petroleum coke, and waste oil. Notes: Included in the calculation for coal, petroleum, and natural gas average operating heat rate are electric power plants in the utility and independent power producer sectors. Combined heat and power plants, and all plants in the commercial and industrial sectors are excluded from the calculations. The nuclear average heat rate is the weighted average tested heat rate for nuclear units as reported on the Form EIA-860. Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-923, "Power Plant Operations Report," and predecessor form(s) including U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-906, "Power Plant Report;" and Form EIA-920, "Combined Heat and Power Plant Report;" Form EIA-860, "Annual Electric Generator Report."