Net power production in the U.S. 1950-2021

The United States generated 4,116 terawatt hours of electricity in 2021, the third-largest figure recorded in the indicated period. In comparison to the previous year, power generation increased by roughly three percent. There had been a notable decrease in power production in 2020, brought about by the drop in commercial and industrial electricity demand due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures.

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, reaching nearly 800 terawatt hours in 2020. Wind power has become the main renewable source of electricity generation in the North American country, having surpassed conventional hydroelectric power in 2019. While the bulk of U.S. electricity is produced by large scale facilities, a growing fraction of electricity – especially from renewable sources – is generated by private homes and businesses.

Who are the main consumers of electricity?

The residential sector was ranked as the largest consumer of electricity in the United States in 2020. Unlike sales to the commercial and industrial sector, electricity retail sales to residential users grew that year, reaching some 1,462 terawatt hours.