Pennsylvania State Energy Profile
Executive Summary
Pennsylvania's traditional energy sector remains a cornerstone of the state's economy, employing approximately 273,364 energy workers as of 2022, representing 4.6% of total state employment and 3.4% of all U.S. energy jobs. The Commonwealth's energy landscape is dominated by natural gas production, nuclear generation capacity, and coal resources, with significant employment across production, generation, transmission, and support services.
1. State Energy Profile
1.1 Production Overview
Pennsylvania ranks as a major energy producer nationally:
Natural Gas: Second-largest producer in the United States, generating approximately 7 trillion cubic feet annually (2020), accounting for one-fifth of U.S. gas production
Nuclear Power: Second in the nation after Illinois in nuclear electricity generation capacity
Coal: Home to 15 operational coal-fired power plants as of July 2024, the highest number in the United States
Electricity Generation Mix (2023):
Natural Gas: 59% (largest provider for fifth consecutive year)
Nuclear: Second-largest source
Coal: Declining share due to plant retirements
1.2 Consumption Patterns
Natural Gas Consumption: Total natural gas delivered to all consumers averaged 4.8 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2024 through October, up from 2.6 Bcf/d in 2013. The electric power sector has driven this 85% increase in consumption since 2013.
Residential Energy Use: Over half of Pennsylvania households use natural gas as their primary home heating fuel.
1.3 Infrastructure
Pennsylvania's energy infrastructure includes:
Extensive pipeline networks for natural gas transmission
High-voltage electric transmission systems
Coal transport infrastructure (rail, barge)
Nuclear facilities with established waste management systems
Storage facilities for petroleum products and natural gas
This One Tree Somewhere
Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus.