Since 1991, every October has been designated as National Energy Awareness Month, serving as a reminder that the decisions we make about the production, consumption, and conservation of energy have long-term consequences for our economy, communities and climate.
In 2025, those decisions are especially critical. America is experiencing record electricity demand, driven by everything from extreme weather to the rapid expansion of data centers and AI. At the same time, clean energy is surging for the first time in history. Renewable and nuclear power sources combined generated more than half of the electricity in the U.S. This milestone shows the transition is no longer a vision of the future; it’s happening right now.
What Is National Energy Awareness Month?
Established by a presidential proclamation, National Energy Awareness Month encourages individuals, businesses and policymakers to consider how energy use impacts the nation’s security, economy and environment. Over time, the focus has expanded from simply raising awareness to taking concrete steps, including boosting efficiency, embracing renewable technologies, modernizing the grid and advancing energy equity.
RESA recognizes this month as an opportunity to highlight not only where the U.S. energy system stands today, but also how competitive retail suppliers empower consumers with the tools, options and innovations that make the energy transition more accessible.
KEY TRENDS
Clean power growth at record pace
- From January to May 2025, 91% of all new U.S. power capacity came from renewables, led by solar and wind. Solar generation in 2024 alone reached 303 TWh, surpassing hydropower for the first time.
- Wind and solar together supplied 17% of U.S. electricity in 2024, overtaking coal’s 15%.
Fossil fuels at a crossroads
- In March 2025, fossil fuels dipped below 50% of the electricity mix for the first time in history.
- Coal has seen a slight rebound this year, reaching approximately 16% of generation, but long-term market and policy headwinds make sustained growth unlikely.
Natural gas remains dominant but under pressure
- Natural gas supplied about 43% of electricity in 2023 and remains the top single source. However, the growth of clean energy and storage is reshaping its role.
Energy storage and manufacturing boom
- Grid-scale battery capacity additions in recent years are equivalent to the output of nearly 20 nuclear reactors, strengthening resilience as renewables expand.
- Between late 2022 and early 2025, the U.S. announced $115 billion in new clean energy manufacturing investments, including solar panels, batteries, EVs and hydrogen.
Efficiency and equity remain central
- Smart thermostats, efficient lighting and appliances continue to empower consumers to reduce their costs.
- Ensuring underserved communities share clean energy benefits is now a key part of policy and market conversations.
Why Awareness Matters in 2025
National Energy Awareness Month is about more than recognizing milestones; it’s about turning awareness into action. Consumers, businesses and policymakers alike play a role:
- Protecting budgets: Energy efficiency and smart shopping for electricity supply can ease cost pressures.
- Strengthening resilience: Smarter grids, advanced storage, and flexible contracts help safeguard reliability.
- Driving innovation: Supporting clean energy programs and retail choice expands options for households and businesses.
- Building equity: A sustainable transition means ensuring no community is left behind.
The energy transition is well underway, and every stakeholder plays a role. Consumers can make conscious choices at home and at work, while policymakers can continue to foster competition and innovation. Retail energy suppliers remain at the center of delivering reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy options.
Progress takes time. It requires collaboration, investment and action. Staying informed and making smart energy choices are just two of the ways we can contribute to building a cleaner, more resilient, and consumer-driven energy future.
