Coal prices and availability still influence electricity rates in some U.S. regions. Rising coal
Coal prices and availability still influence electricity rates in some U.S. regions. Rising coal costs or supply disruptions increase generation expenses, while ample supply can moderate prices. For additional context on fuel market dynamics, see the Battery Storage Deployment & Costs indicator and the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s coal data page.
Coal prices and availability still influence electricity rates in some U.S. regions. See 12-month trends and forecast in our detailed charts.
Coal spot prices vary by region and have drifted modestly higher over the past year. As of late November 2025, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports spot prices of about $81 per short ton for Central Appalachian coal, $62 per ton for Northern Appalachian coal and $15 per ton for Powder River Basin coal. These levels are slightly above the previous year but far below the high price levels seen in 2022. The bar chart below compares current prices across the major coal-producing regions.
