Coal Helps Fuel Energy, Jobs And The Economy (NAPSA)—Access to electricity has improved the quality oflife enjoyed by most Americans and Americans are the largest consumers of electricity in the world. Weuseit to make us more productive, entertain us, and keep ussafe in our homes. In 2000, Americans used approximately 3,398 billion kilowatt-hoursofelectricity. However, what few consumers realize is that most of that electricity was created from coal. In fact, over 50 percent of the electricity consumed by American homes and businesses comes from coal, more than all other energy sources combined. According to experts, the average American uses about 20 poundsof coal every day, all in the form of electricity. In addition, many believe coalbased electricity helps to enhance America’s energy security. There are an estimated fourtrillion tons of coal reserves in the U.S. That amounts to a 250-year supply of coal at current rates of usage. Because coal is an abundant domestic resource, America’s elec- tric utilities are not held hostage to foreign fuel suppliers. The cost of generating electricity with coal is about half the cost of using otherfossil fuels. In 1999, cost of electricity from coal was about $1.22 per million BTUs, compared to oil at $2.53 per million BTUs, and natural gas-fired at $2.57 per million BTUs. New technologies for electricity generation have resulted not only in significant air quality improvements, but also improved plant U.S. Electricity Fuel Mix Other* 2.2% Petroleum 2.9% Hydro Nuclear 19.8% Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2002 “Indudes non-hydro renewables and other energy sources Over 50 percent of the electricity consumed by American homes and businesses comesfrom coal. efficiency. In 1999, 22 of the 25 lowest-cost generation plants in the U.S. were powered bycoal. And coal’s economic benefits extend beyond the production of low-cost electricity. According to a study conducted by researchers at Penn State University, access to affordable electricity from coal will be responsible for about $411 billion in economic activity and $133 billion in household income in the year 2010. Low-cost electricity is essen- tial to economic growth and to the creation of high-skilled, highwage jobs for American workers. It also means a better quality of life for consumers and their fam- ilies. Coal is an essential fuel that makes low-cost electricity possible. To learn more about the role coal plays in U.S. energy policy, visit www.ceednet.org.
