According to a new Department of Energy report: "In 2007, for the first time, renewable energy sources, other than conventional hydroelectric capacity, accounted for the largest portion of capacity additions. Total net summer capacity increased 8,673 MW in 2007. Wind capacity accounted for 5,186 MW of this new capacity. Natural gas-fired generation accounted for 4,582 MW. Two new coal-fired plants with summer capacity totaling 1,354 MW were placed in service in 2007. However, retirements and downward adjustments to existing capacity resulted in a 217 MW net reduction in coal-fired capacity."

But: "Since more than half of the new capacity was non-dispatchable wind capacity, the 2.3 percent increase in net generation was achieved primarily through the increased performance of existing coal-fired, natural gas-fired and nuclear capacity. All three of these types of capacity set net production levels, and increased average capacity factors, in 2007."

And here's some good news re. coal: "In spite of setting a record level for generation in 2007, coal’s share of total net generation continued its downward trend in 2007. It accounted for 48.5 percent of total net generation in 2007 as compared to 49.0 percent in 2006 and 52.8 percent in 1997. Nevertheless, it remains the primary source of baseload generation. The decline in coal’s share of total net generation in 2007 was attributable to continued increase in the share of total net generation produced by natural gas-fired and nuclear capacity, as well as renewable sources, other than conventional hydroelectric capacity."

(The last time I checked, more than 60% of TVA's generating capacity still comes from coal.)

According to the report, hydroelectric capacity was down more than 14% due to persistent drought conditions across the West and the Southeast.

The report also notes "a modest increase in average consumption per residential and commercial customer." This is a little disappointing given the heightened awareness of energy efficiency and conservation efforts and the ongoing discussion of U.S. energy policy.