Electricity Production . Typically, the coal from one or more mines is transported by railroad or barge to a steam generating plant.
Turbine generators utilize the steam to generate electricity at high voltage.
Near the users it is transformed again, down to a low voltage, where it is distributed to the users via the familiar distribution system of poles and overhead wires. Many IOUs and municipals generate some of the electricity they sell. Power is also generated by the federal government, especially from dams, and by an increasing number of independent power producers. Since deregulation began in 1992, a number of independent power marketing firms have emerged as well. Most electric power sales to consumers are regulated by the states.