The electric power sector consists of facilities which generate electricity primarily for use by the public. Energy is used for the generation, distribution, and transmission of electric power.
Between 2012 and 2013, electric power sector energy use increased 8.9 percent to 378.2 trillion British thermal units (Btu). Natural gas use decreased 40 percent although consumption of natural gas comprised less than 2 percent of the sector's total consumption. Petroleum use more than doubled although consumption of petroleum products comprised less than 1 percent of the sector's total consumption. Nuclear electric power use increased 18.0 percent, renewable energy use increased 15.2 percent, and coal use increased 7.5 percent.
The principal fuels used at electric utilities are coal (72 percent) and nuclear electric power (19 percent). Renewable energy (7.5 percent), natural gas (1.3 percent), and petroleum (0.14 percent) make up the other 9 percent of fuels consumed. Petroleum was comprised totally of distillate fuel in 2013.
In 2013, consumption of solar thermal and photovoltaic energy and geothermal energy in the electric power sector was comparatively small and rounded to zero. More information on solar energy, geothermal energy, and wind energy in Nebraska is available.