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New 2012 data show that 3 states used 23% of U.S. electricity

This week, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its latest Electric Power Annual report, with data through the end of 2012.

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American



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This week, the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its latest Electric Power Annual report, with data through the end of 2012.

According to this organization, Texas, California, and Florida topped the nation in total electricity sales. Of the almost 3.7 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in retail states throughout the United States in 2012, almost 10% was sold in Texas. An additional 7% and 6% were solar in California and Florida, respectively.

These data released in the report were also included in the EIA's new "Electricity Data Browser" - an interactive online system for accessing generation, fuel consumption, electricity sales and revenue, and average price information. Using this tool, users can view data points over time on a plant-level basis (in some cases)