NAICS 221112

Overview

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by U.S. federal statistical agencies to classify business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing economic data. Developed by the Office of Management and Budget in cooperation with Canada and Mexico, NAICS replaced the SIC system in 1997 and is updated on a five-year cycle; the current statistical vintage is 2022. ¹

NAICS 221112 (Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation) covers establishments primarily engaged in operating electric power generation facilities fueled by fossil sources. These facilities (e.g., coal-, oil-, or gas‑fired steam plants and combustion turbine/combined‑cycle units) produce electricity for delivery to transmission or distribution systems, and are distinct from transmission and distribution activities classified elsewhere. The code focuses on the operation of utility‑scale generation assets as the primary activity, regardless of ownership structure (e.g., utility or independent power producer). ²

What this NAICS covers

• Operation of fossil fuel‑fired electric power plants producing utility‑scale electricity
• Conventional steam power generation using coal, oil, or natural gas
• Combustion turbine and combined‑cycle generation using fossil fuels
• Independent power producer (IPP) plants selling to bulk transmission or local distribution systems
• Facility operations providing generated electric energy to transmission or distribution operators
• Plant‑level activities integral to fossil fuel generation (e.g., fuel handling within the plant boundary)
• Co‑located cogeneration units whose primary activity is selling electric power

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
NAICS	221121	Electric Bulk Power Transmission and Control
NAICS	221122	Electric Power Distribution
PSC	S112	Utilities – Electric
PSC	6115	Generators and Generator Sets, Electrical

Industry boundaries and cross‑references

• Generation vs. transmission/distribution: Electric energy generation is classified in NAICS 221112; operating transmission systems is NAICS 221121; operating distribution systems is NAICS 221122. ²
• Exclusions: Facilities operating trash‑disposal incinerators that also generate electricity are classified in NAICS 562213. ²

Small business size standard

The U.S. Small Business Administration size standard for NAICS 221112 is 950 employees (employee‑based standard, effective March 17, 2023). ³

Frequently asked questions

• What establishments are included in NAICS 221112?
  Establishments that operate fossil fuel‑powered plants—such as coal, oil, natural gas, or combined‑cycle units—primarily to generate electricity for delivery to transmission or distribution systems fall under this code. This encompasses utility‑owned and independent power producer facilities engaged in utility‑scale generation. ²

• How does NAICS 221112 differ from NAICS 221121 and NAICS 221122?
  NAICS 221112 covers the electric power generation function. NAICS 221121 covers bulk power transmission and control, and NAICS 221122 covers distribution to end users. They represent distinct segments of the electric power value chain. ²

• What is the SBA small business size standard for NAICS 221112?
  The SBA employee‑based size standard is 950 employees. Agencies use SBA’s table of size standards when determining set‑asides and eligibility for programs under this code. Always consult the current SBA table to confirm effective dates and any updates. ³

• Are waste‑to‑energy plants classified in NAICS 221112?
  No. Establishments primarily operating municipal solid waste incinerators (trash‑disposal facilities) that also generate electricity are classified under NAICS 562213, not under fossil fuel electric power generation. ²

• Which PSCs commonly align with fossil fuel power generation buys?
  Utility purchases of electricity often use PSC S112. The PSC manual also lists product code 9105 for “Electric Power Supply from a Third Party Generation Entity,” activated in April 2025, which may appear in solicitations for supplied power. ⁴

Useful resources

• G2X — NAICS 221112
• Census: Economic Census guidance — Understanding NAICS and 2022 vintage. ¹
• Census: Sector 22 definitions and cross‑references (includes NAICS 221112 scope). ²
• SBA: Table of Small Business Size Standards (effective March 17, 2023). ³
• Acquisition.gov: Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual (April 2025). ⁴

References

1. U.S. Census Bureau, “Economic Census: NAICS Codes & Understanding Industry Classification Systems.” https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census/year/2022/guidance/understanding-naics.html
2. U.S. Census Bureau, “NAICS Sector 22 — Utilities (archive page with industry definitions and cross‑references).” https://www.census.gov/naics/resources/archives/sect22.html
3. U.S. Small Business Administration, “Table of Small Business Size Standards (effective March 17, 2023).” https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/Table%20of%20Size%20Standards_Effective%20March%2017%2C%202023%20%282%29.pdf
4. Acquisition.gov, “Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual — April 2025.” https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf