Due to the accelerated national economic development in China, demand for energy is still continuously increasing. The economy of Jiangsu, the province at the center of the eastern area along the coast of China, is growing at a higher rate than those of other provinces. In 1992, the total gross product of industrial and agricultural sectors in the province is about 10% share of that of the country. The energy resources in the province are, however, significantly scarce. The outcome of coal, oil and electricity industries is only 3.2% of the whole industrial outcome in the province. Coal occupies 80% share of the primary energy in this province, while 70% of the primary energy is imported from other provinces. Because of a rapid expansion of the economy and poor transportation services, the shortage of coal has been a long-term and serious issue. In order to enhance the effectiveness of distribution of coal, this paper presents two models about a comprehensive evaluation of coal distribution and optimum distribution in view of the economic, social, environmental and other aspects. Applying the current data, the actual distribution of coal in Jiangsu province is evaluated by these models. Taking six indices, including economic outcome, resource economization, environmental conservation, employment, technological progress, and central government's aid (for considering the policy for industries in the province), a function is introduced to a comprehensive evaluation model to reflect the characteristics of indices that evaluate the effectiveness of the distribution of the coal. Applying available data, this study analyzes 12 industrial sectors in Jiangsu province and obtains a priority order of coal distribution among sectors. Moreover, selecting five major coal consuming sectors, and given a total supply of coal, the most effective distribution of coal for these sectors is calculated by an optimal distribution model (a static planning model). Comparing the economic outcome of optimal distribution with the real one in the province, the increase in the economic effectiveness of the optimal distribution can be concluded as 54, 200RMB¥ per 10, 000 tons of coal and 1, 849RMB¥ per 10, 000 KWHs of electricity.