Affordable

Coal Keeps Electricity Prices Affordable

One of the greatest strengths of coal is its low fuel price. Generally, states that rely on coal have the lowest electricity rates. In 2010, 34 states that had an average of 59 percent of their electricity from coal had electricity rates below the national average retail price of 10.1 cents/kwh.

Affordable electricity is especially important for American families. Every dollar spent on energy is one less dollar available for other necessities. A recent ACCCE-commissioned analysis found that the 60 million American households with annual incomes below $50,000 spent 21 percent of their after-tax income on energy. That’s more than one-fifth of every dollar in take-home pay.

And low-cost energy is also important to American businesses. Given that energy prices are an important component in determining the cost of American products that must compete in global markets, maintaining access to affordable energy here at home plays a key role in growing our economy and creating jobs for American workers.

For these reasons, we are committed to policies that help keep energy costs affordable for consumers and businesses alike. And when it comes to producing electricity affordably – coal still remains America’s fuel of choice.