Electricity Sources Used by Modern Buildings Buildings consume over 70% of the US electricity supply, and this is why energy efficiency measures have such a high potential to reduce the environmental impact of modern cities. Traditionally, electricity has been generated at power stations and then delivered to buildings using power lines and transformers. However, modern generation technologies like photo voltaic panels and natural gas micro turbines allow electricity production at the point of use. Energy Sources Used in Electricity Production A basic principle of physics is that energy cannot be created or destroyed, it simply changes form. Since electricity is a form of energy, generation systems can only produce it by consuming another form. The following are some of the most common energy sources: Chemical energy in fossil fuels: Their combustion releases heat, which can be used to drive a turbine and generator, producing electricity. Kinetic and potential energy i...