Where Electricity Comes From

Coal produces half the electricity in the U.S. and
nearly all the electricity in Kentucky.

Nuclear power generates 20 percent of the electricity
in the U.S. and none in Kentucky.

Hydroelectric power generates 8 percent of the electricity
in the U.S. and about 3 percent of electricity in Kentucky.

Natural gas is burned to generate 16 percent of
the electricity in the U.S. and about 1/2 of 1 percent in Kentucky.

Oil is burned to generate 3 percent of the electricity
in the U.S. and about 1/2 of 1 percent in Kentucky.

Other fuels such as wood, waste, solar, and wind
generate about 2 percent of the electricity in the U.S. and almost none in Kentucky.

Next month: how coal becomes electricity

-Paul Wesslund