Resource Use: February 2026

Supply and fuel consumption

In this section, we look at the resources used to produce electricity. Generating units are chosen to run primarily on their operating costs, of which fuel costs account for the lion's share. Therefore, we present below, electricity generation output by fuel type and generator type. Since the generator/fuel mix of utilities varies significantly by region, we also present generation output by region.

Generation output by region

Net electricity generation in the United States increased 1.2% compared to February 2025. However, the changes in electricity generation from the previous February were mixed throughout the country. The Northeast, MidAtlantic, Southeast, and Florida all saw a year-over-year increase in electricity generation, while the Central, West, and Texas all saw a decrease in electricity generation when compared to the previous year. The region-by-region differences in the change in electricity generation was generally a result of cooler temperatures compared to last year in the regions that saw increased electricity generation and warmer temperatures compared to last year in regions that saw a decrease in electricity generation.

Electricity generation from coal saw year-over-year increases in the MidAtlantic, Southeast, and Florida, while the Northeast, Central, West, and Texas saw year-over-year decreases in coal generation. All regions of the country, except for the West and Texas, saw an increase in natural gas generation compared to February 2025.

Fossil fuel consumption by region

The chart above compares coal consumption in February 2026 and February 2025 by region and the second tab compares natural gas consumption by region over the same period. Changes in coal and natural gas consumption were similar to their respective changes in coal and natural gas generation.

The third tab presents the change in the relative share of fossil fuel consumption by fuel type on a percentage basis, calculated using equivalent energy content (Btu). This highlights changes in the relative market shares of coal, natural gas, and petroleum. The Southeast, Florida, and Texas saw their shares of coal increase at the expense of natural gas, whereas the Central and Western regions saw their shares of natural gas increase at the expense of coal. The Northeast and MidAtlantic saw sizeable shifts to other fossil fuels being used to generate electricity this February compared to the previous year. These regions of the country sometimes shift to utilizing other fossil fuels, mainly fuel oil, when electricity demand increases during the winter months in this part of the country that has natural gas pipeline constraints.

The fourth tab presents the change in coal and natural gas consumption on an energy content basis by region. The changes in total coal and natural gas consumption were similar to the changes seen in total coal and natural gas net generation in each region.

Fossil fuel prices

To gain some insight into the changing pattern of consumption of fossil fuels over the past year, we look at relative monthly average spot fuel prices. A common way to compare fuel prices is on an equivalent $/MMBtu basis as shown in the chart above. The average price of natural gas at Henry Hub decreased significantly from the previous month, going from $7.55/MMBtu in January 2026 to $3.84/MMBtu in February 2026. The natural gas price for New York City (Transco Zone 6 NY) also decreased significantly from the previous month, going from $19.84/MMBtu in January 2026 to $6.75/MMBtu in February 2026. The average spot price of Central Appalachian coal increased slightly from the previous month, going from $3.26/MMBtu in January 2026 to $3.32/MMBtu in February 2026.

A fuel price comparison based on equivalent energy content ($/MMBtu) does not reflect differences in energy conversion efficiency (heat rate) among different types of generators. Gas-fired combined-cycle units tend to be more efficient than coal-fired steam units. The second tab shows coal and natural gas prices on an equivalent energy content and efficiency basis. The Henry Hub natural gas price ($30.77/MWh) saw a decrease from the previous month ($60.48/MWh) and was below the Central Appalachian coal price ($35.85/MWh) in February 2026. The price of natural gas at New York City ($54.10/MWh) saw a decrease compared to the previous month ($158.94/MWh) but was still above the Central Appalachian coal price ($35.85/MWh).

The conversion shown in this chart is done for illustrative purposes only. The competition between coal and natural gas to produce electricity is more complex. It involves delivered prices and emission costs, the terms of fuel supply contracts, and the workings of fuel markets.