Utilities and Power Generation Sector Information
Overview
The Utility and Power Generation Sector covers entities producing, transporting and distributing electricity to customers (NAICS 2211). The sector is one of the largest, with facilities found in every state and territory. Electric power generation comes from a wide variety of sources, ranging from power plants that use fossil fuels, hydroelectric dams, to solar farms. In 2025, the U.S. generated 4.43 terawatt hours of electricity. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy)
Basic EPA Regulatory Information
The sector is regulated by multiple federal and state regulatory agencies, including state public utility commissions (PUCs). Local governing entities primarily regulate the rates and services of public utilities. The following links are intended to help Smart Sectors partners and the public learn more about how EPA works with the utilities and power generation sector.
Laws and regulations, compliance and enforcement information
Clean Air Power Sector Programs
Clean Air Act Standards and Guidelines for Electric Utilities
Clean Air Act Standards and Guidelines for Energy, Engines, and Combustion
Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines
Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR)
Other federal agencies with regulatory authorities over utilities and the Power Generation sector include the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, U.S. Department of Energy
EPA Resources
- Electric Power Sector Basics
- Power Sector Programs
- Green Power Partnership voluntary program — EPA's Green Power Partnership helps organizations use green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional electricity use.
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) — EPA's CHP voluntary program aims to reduce air pollution and water usage associated with electric power generation by increasing the use of CHP. CHP aims to reduce air pollution and water usage associated with electric power generation by increasing the use of CHP.
- Natural Gas STAR — EPA's Natural Gas STAR helps U.S. oil and gas operations implement methane-reducing technologies and practices.
- ENERGY STAR Industrial Energy Management — ENERGY STAR is an EPA voluntary program that helps businesses and consumers save energy and money.
- WaterSense — EPA's WaterSense label makes it simple to find water-efficient products, new homes, and programs that meet EPA’s criteria for efficiency and performance.
- SmartWay Transport — EPA's SmartWay Transport voluntary program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Any company or organization that ships, manages, or hauls freight in its operations can become an EPA SmartWay Partner.
- Sustainable Materials Management Prioritization Tools — Free, life cycle-based tools that offer a starting place to establish priorities for environmental improvement, focus limited financial and human resources where action could offer greater holistic benefit, and consider key industries for collaboration.
Non-Federal Resources
- The Thermostat Recycling Corporation provides a handy search tool for finding the nearest mercury-containing thermostat collection center to you. Old thermostats that contain mercury are unlikely to break or leak mercury while in use, but they must be properly disposed of when they are replaced.