US coal generation fell slightly in April with a dip in power demand and continued strong natural gas and renewable generation, US Energy Information Administration data showed Monday.
The agency's Electric Power Monthly report showed coal generation totaled 72.2 GWh in April, down 0.1 GWh from March and down 18.5% from the same month a year ago.
Renewable generation equaled 58 GW in April, down 0.2 GWh on month, and gas generation led the way with 100 GWh, down 3 GWh the previous month.
Total US generation in April equaled 293.3 GWh, down 0.3% from May.
Overall, coal accounted for 24.6% of April generation compared to 34.1% from natural gas, 21.3% from nuclear and 19.8% from renewables.
Through the first four months of the year, coal has accounted for 27.8% of generation compared to 32.6% by gas. In the year-ago period, coal made up 41% of generation compared to 24.2% from gas.
HIGH STOCKPILES
Power sector stocks totaled 196.2 million st in April, up 1% from March and up 17% from the year-ago month. Stockpiles are 13% above the five-year average.
Subbituminous stocks totaled 108 million st, down 0.3% from March, but up 16.5% from the year-ago month and 19.9% above the five-year average.
Bituminous stockpiles totaled 83 million st, up 2.3% from March, up 16.5% from the year-ago month and 6.1% above the five-year average.
