Generation mix describes the portfolio of fuel sources that produce electricity in a given state or region. The US national mix includes natural gas (~40%), coal (~16%), nuclear (~19%), wind (~11%), solar (~5%), and hydroelectric (~6%). Each state's mix varies dramatically based on available resources — Washington relies heavily on hydropower, Texas on wind and gas, and West Virginia on coal. The generation mix directly affects electricity prices, carbon emissions, and energy security.
Generation Mix
The combination of energy sources (coal, gas, nuclear, renewables) used to produce a state's electricity.
Related Terms
Base Load
The minimum level of electricity demand over a 24-hour period, typically supplied by always-on power plants.
Capacity Factor
The ratio of actual electricity output to maximum possible output over a period, measuring plant efficiency.
Renewable Energy
Electricity generated from naturally replenishing sources: wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass.