Federal data reveals a surprising drop in renewable power in 2023, as slow winds and drought took a toll

February 29, 2024

TOPSHOT – Wind turbines are seen at sunset in Williamsburg, Iowa, on August 14, 2023. (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

U.S. utility-scale renewable electricity generation fell in 2023 due to weather patterns that reduced output from wind farms and drought that affected hydropower. Data released by the Energy Information Administration shows a decrease of 0.8 percent compared to the prior year.