Competition between coal and natural gas affects power markets

U.S. Energy Information Administration ------ In 2016, natural gas provided 34% of total electricity generation, surpassing coal to become the leading generation source. Natural gas first exceeded coal as the most common electricity fuel on a monthly basis in April 2015 and on an annual basis in 2016. The increase in natural gas generation since 2005 is primarily a result of the continued cost competitiveness of natural gas relative to coal. Natural gas-fired capacity is widely distributed across the United States. Every state except Vermont has at least one natural gas plant. In the past 15 years, nearly 228 gigawatts (GW) of capacity fueled by natural gas was added, far exceeding retirements of 54 GW. Over that same period, 20 GW of coal-fired capacity was added, while more than 53 GW was retired. To learn more click on the picture below to read the article.