Coal

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Coal may surpass natural gas as most common electricity generation fuel this winter

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In 2015, U.S. coal production, consumption, and employment fell by more than 10%

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U.S. energy production, consumption has changed significantly since 1908

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Over past decade, Mountain region states have used less coal for electricity generation

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Energy-related CO2 emissions for first six months of 2016 are lowest since 1991

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Weekly Energy Snapshots provides a weekly recap of EIA data visualizations

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Japan’s electricity prices rising or stable despite recent fuel cost changes

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Coal consumption by U.S. educational institutions has declined by 64% since 2008

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Energy-related CO2 emissions from natural gas surpass coal as fuel use patterns change

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Operating coal-fired generating capacity has declined 15% since 2011 in response to low natural gas prices and environmental regulatory compliance

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Changing U.S. energy mix reflects growing use of natural gas, petroleum, and renewables

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Clean Power Plan reduces projected coal production in all major U.S. supply regions

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EIA electricity generator data show power industry response to EPA mercury limits

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Fossil fuels still dominate U.S. energy consumption despite recent market share decline

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The total output over a 12-month period of U.S. electric generators fueled by natural gas surpassed those fueled by coal for first time in January 2016

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Quarterly coal production lowest since the early 1980s

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Future power sector carbon dioxide emissions depend on status of Clean Power Plan

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Power sector coal demand has fallen in nearly every state since 2007

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Total U.S. energy production increases for sixth consecutive year

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As coal stockpiles at power plants rise, shippers are reducing coal railcar loadings

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Natural gas expected to surpass coal in mix of fuel used for U.S. power generation in 2016

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Coal made up more than 80% of retired electricity generating capacity in 2015

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U.S. coal exports declined 23% in 2015, as coal imports remained steady

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Rail continues to dominate coal shipments to the power sector

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Natural gas use for power generation higher this winter

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State severance tax revenues decline as fossil fuel prices drop

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Coal production and prices decline in 2015

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Proposed Clean Power Plan rule would reduce coal production, especially in the West

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Power generation from coal and natural gas expected to temporarily converge this spring

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Natural gas, renewables projected to provide larger shares of electricity generation

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Energy resource permanent funds vary by purpose and state

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Total energy subsidies decline since 2010, with changes in support across fuel types

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Recent Data

Average weekly coal commodity spot prices
(dollars per short ton)
Coal commodity regions Week ending
Central Appalachia
12,500 Btu, 1.2 SO2
Northern Appalachia
13,000 Btu, < 3.0 SO2
Illinois Basin
11,800 Btu, 5.0 SO2
Powder River Basin
8,800 Btu, 0.8 SO2
Uinta Basin
11,700 Btu, 0.8 SO2
Source: With permission, Coal Markets

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Updated Data Series

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Recent Analysis & Projections

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Upcoming Releases

Release days may change on weeks with Federal holidays.

*Coal Markets: 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday (* Formerly Weekly NYMEX Coal Futures and Coal News & Markets)
Weekly Coal Production: 5:00 p.m. ET, Thursday

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