WASHINGTON — U.S. industrial production dropped sharply in November, mainly because power plants reduced output due to unusually warmer weather.
The Federal Reserve reported Wednesday that output at America’s factories, mines and utilities fell 0.4 percent last month. It was another sign that American industry is struggling even as the overall U.S. economy looks healthy.
Utility output plunged 4.4 percent, following a 2.8 percent downturn in October. A warm fall meant Americans used less heat.
Factory output slipped 0.1 percent. A drop in auto production, which is volatile month to month, offset increased output elsewhere.
Industrial production has now dropped three of the last four months and has fallen 0.6 percent in the past year. November’s drop was steeper than economists had expected.
