Do you know where your electricity comes from?

If you’re like the majority of Americans, you don’t. The truth is that America’s electric companies rely on a variety of fuels to generate electricity—coal, nuclear energy,natural gas, hydropower and other renewables, and fuel oil.

Fuel diversity is smart. It protects electric companies and their customers from contingencies such as fuel unavailability, fuel price fluctuations, and changes in regulatory practices that can drive up the cost of a particular fuel. Fuel diversity also helps ensure stability and reliability in electricity supply and strengthens national security.

Next: The U.S. Fuel Mix