Distributed Generation System Characteristics and Costs in the Buildings Sector

(Wed, 19 Apr 2017) This study commissioned by the U.S. Energy Information Administration finds that characteristics and costs of distributed generation are influenced by government policies, size, and application of the different technologies. Distributed solar photovoltaics (PV) and small wind are experiencing significant cost decreases through technological progress and economies of scale.

Most coal plants in the United States were built before 1990

(Mon, 17 Apr 2017) Coal-fired electricity generators accounted for 25% of operating electricity generating capacity in the United States and generated about 30% of U.S. electricity in 2016. Most coal-fired capacity (88%) was built between 1950 and 1990, and the capacity-weighted average age of operating coal facilities is 39 years.

Retail gasoline prices this summer are expected to be slightly higher than in 2016

(Thu, 13 Apr 2017) Drivers in the United States will pay an average of $2.46 per gallon (gal) this summer for regular gasoline, according to forecasts in EIA's <em>Short-Term Energy Outlook</em> (STEO). Gasoline prices from April through September are expected to be 23 cents/gal higher than the average price last summer, but this price is still nearly 70 cents/gal below the previous five-year average.

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