CO2 emissions from US power sector rose 4% last year

Carbon dioxide emissions from the U.S. electric power sector rose 4% in 2025, an increase of 58 million metric tons, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Total energy-related CO2 emissions across the economy rose 2%, or about 115 million metric tons, compared with 2024.

The increase was driven by higher electricity demand overall. The power sector generated 3% more electricity than the year before, setting a new annual record, as hot summer weather pushed up demand for air conditioning and set a record for summer peak electricity use. Growing demand from data centers and manufacturing also played a role. Coal-fired generation jumped 13%, adding 78 million metric tons of emissions, while natural gas generation fell 4%, cutting emissions by 23 million metric tons. Wind generation grew 3% and solar grew 34%, which helped offset some of the increase but did not outweigh the rise in coal use.

For homeowners, this is mostly background context on where the electricity grid stands rather than something requiring a direct response. It reflects rising demand for cooling and power nationally, and a shift back toward more coal in the generation mix last year. It does not change any rebate programs, incentives, or equipment choices available for home energy upgrades.