Soaring solar and a surge in hydro push more coal off the US grid

US electricity demand rose 1.5% year over year in Q1 2026, but renewable generation grew faster than demand.

Solar output jumped 24%, and higher hydro generation—likely helped by early West snowmelt—boosted clean power supply.

Fossil fuel generation fell about 3% overall, while coal use dropped more than 10%, underscoring a shift away from coal.

The data suggests renewables are meeting most new demand and continuing to reshape the US power mix.