Key facts
- US electricity demand rose 2% in the first seven months of 2026.
- Solar generation grew 22% year-over-year through September 2026.
- Coal generation fell over 10% year-over-year through September 2026.
- Wind and solar combined now cover 21% of US electricity demand.
- Renewables and nuclear cover 45% of US electricity use.
US electricity demand has continued to rise, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years, with a 2% increase observed in the first seven months of 2026. This growth is driven by factors such as data centers and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps. Despite these demand increases, the explosive growth of solar power generation has begun to slow, registering a 22% year-over-year increase for the period.
This slowdown in solar growth, from over 30% in many prior quarters, is attributed in part to the larger installed base making percentage increases smaller. However, federal policies perceived as hostile to renewables and the removal of incentives may also be contributing factors. Small-scale solar, such as rooftop installations, saw a more modest growth of over 12%.
Coal generation has declined by over 10% year-over-year, while other major electricity sources like hydro, wind, nuclear, and natural gas saw changes of less than 10%. Combined, wind and solar now account for 21% of US electricity demand, with their growth alone meeting the increase in grid demand. Including hydro, renewables cover 27% of demand, and non-carbon-emitting sources (renewables and nuclear) make up 45% of the US's electricity use.
Looking ahead, the US Energy Information Agency anticipates the completion of two large offshore wind projects on the East Coast. However, development of similar projects may be stalled until the 2030s due to federal policy shifts. Onshore wind and solar development continue in various regions, with battery installations also expanding beyond traditional hubs.