California was the largest net electricity importer of any state in 2019

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Electricity Profiles

Electricity routinely flows between the Lower 48 states and, to a lesser extent, between the United States and Canada and Mexico. Electricity generation exceeds electricity consumption in 25 states, and excess electricity is transmitted across state lines—almost 10% of U.S. electricity generation is traded among states. In 2019, California’s net electricity imports were the largest in the country at 70.8 million megawatthours (MWh), or 25% of the state’s total electricity supply. Pennsylvania’s electricity exports were the largest of any state in 2019, at 70.5 million MWh, or 24% of total supply.

California utilities partly own and import power from several power plants in Arizona and Utah. In addition, California’s electricity imports include hydroelectric power from the Pacific Northwest, largely across high-voltage transmission lines running from Oregon to the Los Angeles area.

Pennsylvania’s electricity generation was the third-largest in the nation, behind those of Texas and Florida. Natural gas-fired and nuclear power plants produced the majority of Pennsylvania’s in-state electricity in 2019, at 43% and 36%, respectively. Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation, after Illinois, in nuclear power generating capacity.

CONSOL Energy Inc., whose underground coal mining complex in Pennsylvania is the largest in North America, is working to design a power plant and have it operating by 2027.

The innovative project would run on wet waste coal from CONSOL’s mining operation, capture its emissions and include the development of a deep underground carbon dioxide storage hub in southwestern Pennsylvania. Construction could begin by 2024.

“This is a phenomenal example of the innovation occurring in the mining industry,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association.  “Using technology to maximize our resources, minimize waste and create sustainable, long-term benefit is the goal, and CONSOL is on the leading edge of that movement.” 

Governor Jim Justice recently announced that DST Innovations, a UK technology company headquartered in Wales, has chosen West Virginia as the home of its new American manufacturing base; agreeing on a contract with West Virginia-based company Blue Rock Manufacturing to establish a new facility for the development of its new energy cells.

The new facility will be the forefront of green technology, using existing organic material such as coal to create new clean energy storage solutions. The development is expected to create up to 1,000 new jobs in the manufacturing and technology sectors. The manufacturing base will be located in Morgantown, with a Phase 2 expansion planned for the Southern Coalfields region of the state.

The Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary, established in 2007 to raise awareness about the benefits of coal and the individuals who mine it, is conducting their annual Christmas “Giving Hearts” program. 

As ambassadors of the coal industry, the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary provides food, clothing, and toys to over 500 families.  Our state and country are experiencing unprecedented circumstances with the Covid-19 pandemic and widespread economic hardship.  The organization’s work in the community is essential and is a shining example of the good our industry does for our friends and neighbors in need. 

If you can make a donation to assist us in helping those in need, please contact Regina Fairchild at (304) 255-1457, extension 20.  All contributions are tax deductible. 

For more information, visit https://www.friendsofcoalladies.com/.

Charleston, W.Va. - - Serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of the West Virginia Coal Association since 1992, the organization has announced that Bill Raney will retire effective January 1, 2021 following a long and impactful career. 

“Bill Raney is an icon to those of us that have worked in and around the mining industry and to many throughout the state of West Virginia,” said Heath Lovell, chairman of the West Virginia Coal Association board of directors. “His passion for, and contributions to this industry over his professional career are unsurpassed.  He is the original “Friend of Coal” and we wish him a long, fruitful and well-deserved retirement.”