Power Biz 101

Power Plants Are Reducing Emissions Even As Demand For Electricity Increases.
Electric companies work hard to protect the environment of the communities in which they operate. Electric companies spend billions of dollars each year on environmental practices, technology, and operational measures to protect human health and the environment. As a result, air quality in the United States has improved dramatically in recent years. In fact, since 1980, electric companies have reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) significantly, while electricity demand has grown by 77 percent. The electric industry is constantly searching for new and innovative ways to generate electricity—and to use it wisely—while also protecting the environment.

Power Plants Reduce Emissions Despite Increasing Electricity Demand (1980-2004)

1980 represents the base year. Graph depicts increases or decreases from the base year.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (EIA), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).