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Coal Facts

0K MW
Today, the U.S. coal fleet is made of approximately 401 individual coal-fired electric generating units representing roughly 173,500 megawatts (MW) of electric generating capacity.
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In 2025, Coal supplied 17% of electricity generated in the U.S.
0 States
Last year, 41 states relied on coal for electricity. Coal provided at least half the electricity in seven states and at least one-quarter of the electricity in 16 states. Coal was the largest source of electricity in 12 states.
0B Tons
The U.S. has the largest coal reserves in the world with 251 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves. That’s more than 435 years of coal at current production levels.
0B Tons
The U.S. has the largest coal reserves in the world with 249 billion tons of recoverable coal reserves. That’s more than 440 years of coal at current production levels.

39 States Relied on Coal in 2025

Coal plants generate electricity in 39 states. In addition, states that belong to regional electric grids also consume electricity from coal plants in other states even though they do not have any coal plants themselves.

Approximately Two-thirds of the Coal Fleet’s Generating Capacity is Located in RTO/ISO Regions

  • Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) … 43,640 MW
  • PJM … 36,630 MW
  • Southwest Power Pool (SPP) … 20,200 MW
  • Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) … 13,540 MW

Average Cost of Coal and Natural Gas for Electricity Generation ($/MMBtu)

The price of coal has remained almost flat over the past 15 years, which contributes to affordable electricity prices.

The price of coal is expected to remain low and relatively unchanged next year. But coal plant closures expose consumers to higher and volatile natural gas prices.

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More than 60 percent of the U.S. coal fleet that existed in 2010 has retired or announced plans to retire by 2030.
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Coal provided 50% or more of the electricity in 8 states, more than 30% in 17 states.
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Between 2022 and 2030, 86,000 MW of coal are announced to retire.
0 M Tons
Over 500 million tons of coal were consumed for electricity production last year.
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The U.S. electric sector has reduced carbon emissions by 33 percent since 2005.

* EIA Electric Data Browser
** EIA, U.S. Coal Reserves