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Answer key · for teachers

Charts to read and discuss

Figures as of November 14, 2026, from each chart's current data.

Chart 1 of 1 · Energy

Where does US electricity come from?

The chart's answer: In 2025 natural gas made 40.8% of US electricity, followed by nuclear (17.7%) and coal (16.6%). Wind made 10.5% and solar 6.7%. Solar counts only utility-scale plants, not rooftop panels, and the 2025 figures are preliminary.

Key numbers (Share of US electricity generation (%))

Highest: 40.8% (Natural gas)
Lowest: 2.1% (Other)
Natural gas is about 19 times Other
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review (Table 7.2a), data as of December 31, 2025

Questions

Which source makes the most electricity? About how many times more than the smallest bar?
- Natural gas is about 19 times Other
- Highest: 40.8% (Natural gas)
- Lowest: 2.1% (Other)
- Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review (Table 7.2a), data as of December 31, 2025
Which of these sources burn fuel and which don't? What share of electricity comes from each group?

Open question: answers will vary. Look for answers that use the chart's numbers and source.
Why might a chart of this kind look different in your state than for the whole country?

Open question: answers will vary. Look for answers that use the chart's numbers and source.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy Review (Table 7.2a) (Public domain (U.S. government work)) · Data as of Dec 31, 2025 · chart.ly/charts/where-us-electricity-comes-from

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