U.S. Department of Energy Information Administration news feed provides statistics analysis at your fingertips. Stay informed during one of the most volatile energy periods in history.
- The least U.S. interstate natural gas pipeline capacity on record was added in 2022
In 2022, 897 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) of interstate natural gas pipeline capacity was added collectively from five projects, according to our latest State-to-State Capacity Tracker, which contains information on the capacity of natural gas pipelines that cross state and international borders. In 2022, the least interstate natural gas pipeline capacity was added since we began data collection in 1995. However, capacity was added to intrastate pipelines and to existing FERC-administered interstate pipelines as expansions that increased intrastate capacity in 2022.
- U.S. simple-cycle natural gas turbines operated at record highs in summer 2022
The average monthly capacity factor for simple-cycle, natural gas turbine (SCGT) power plants in the United States has grown annually since 2020. Average capacity factors surpassed 20% for two consecutive summer months in 2022—the first time on record—to meet peak electricity demand, based on data from our Electric Power Monthly.
- Colorado refinery outage is causing higher gasoline prices in Rocky Mountain region
The only petroleum refinery in Colorado shut down in late December after sustaining damage from extremely cold weather, and it is expected to remain offline for months to repair, the refinery owner and operator, Calgary-based Suncor, stated. The refinery outage may tighten the supply of gasoline and diesel in Colorado and, more broadly, the Rocky Mountain region, leading to higher retail prices for both. From the end of December to February 20, the average retail gasoline price increased 51% in Colorado and 27% in the Rocky Mountain region, according to our Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, compared with a 9% increase in the United States overall.
- Electricity production costs rose with fuel costs in 2021, delivery cost remained elevated
After adjusting for inflation, costs for major U.S. utilities to produce electricity rose 6% in 2021 as a result of rising fuel costs. For a number of years, electricity production costs had declined as natural gas prices fell and new low-cost renewable generators came online. The cost to deliver electricity across transmission and distribution lines increased 12% in 2020 and remained steady in 2021.
- State tax rates for retail gasoline and diesel increased in 13 states in 2023
In January 2023, state taxes and fees on gasoline and diesel fuel averaged $0.3163 per gallon (gal) of gasoline and $0.3388/gal of diesel fuel, according to our federal and state motor fuels taxes table. These taxes have increased in 13 states since July 2022.
