In 2005, net generation of electricity totaled 4.0 trillion kilowatthours, up 2 percent compared with the total in 2004. Of the total generated, 96 percent came from the electric power sector; 4 percent was generated by combined-heat-and-power plants and electricity-only plants in the industrial and commercial sectors. The Nation imported 45 billion kilowatthours and exported 20 billion kilowatthours of electricity in 2005.

Net Generation. In December 2005, total net generation of electricity was 346 billion kilowatthours, 1 percent higher than December 2004.

Consumption of Combustible Fuels. The consumption of coal for electricity generation and useful thermal output by all sectors was 94 million short tons in December 2005, slightly lower than in December 2004. Total petroleum consumption was 24 million barrels, 18 percent higher than a year earlier. Natural gas consumption was 476 billion cubic feet, 4 percent lower than a year ago.

Stocks of Coal and Petroleum. Stocks of coal held by the electric power sector in December 2005 were 101 million short tons, 5 percent below the level held a year earlier. Total petroleum was 51 million barrels in December 2005, 1 percent lower than a year earlier.

Retail Sales of Electricity. Total retail sales of electricity in December 2005 were 309 billion kilowatthours, 3 percent higher than sales in December 2004. Sales to residential users in December 2005 were 121 billion kilowatthours, 5 percent higher than a year ago; commercial sector sales were 104 billion kilowatthours, 2 percent higher than a year ago; and industrial sector sales were 83 billion kilowatthours, 1 percent lower than a year ago.

Electricity

Note. Classification of Power Plants Into Energy-Use Sectors

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) classifies power plants (both electricity-only and combined-heat-and-power plants) into energy-use sectors based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), which replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system in 1997. Plants with a NAICS code of 22 are assigned to the Electric Power Sector. Those with NAICS codes beginning with 11 (agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting); 21 (mining, including oil and gas extraction); 23 (construction); 31-33 (manufacturing); 2212 (natural gas distribution); and 22131 (water supply and irrigation systems) are assigned to the Industrial Sector. Those with all other codes are assigned to the Commercial Sector. Form EIA-860, "Annual Electric Generator Report," asks respondents to indicate the primary purpose of the facility by assigning a NAICS cod