As of 2025, electricity consumption in Kentucky is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than four-fifths of the electricity coming from such sources. Coal remains the dominant fossil fuel, contributing over 58% of the total electricity production, while gas accounts for nearly 23%. The low-carbon energy contribution is relatively small, forming just over 7% of the overall electricity generation. This predominantly comes from hydropower, which provides almost 5%, and utility-scale solar, which constitutes about 2%. Net imports make up a significant share of about 11% of electricity use. It's crucial to increase the proportion of low-carbon energy to combat climate change and reduce reliance on environmentally detrimental fossil fuels.

Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Kentucky?

Examining Kentucky's electricity consumption trends reveals some positive movement. In 2025, each person in Kentucky consumed approximately 18,133 kWh, marking a noticeable increase from the previous record of 17,185 kWh per person in 2024. This rise amounts to nearly 950 kWh more per person, signifying growth in overall electricity demand. Encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation has also risen, climbing to 1,317 kWh per person from the previous 1,078 kWh per person, witnessing an increase of 239 kWh per person. This progress underlines the importance of steadily expanding low-carbon sources to satisfy the growing electricity needs sustainably.

Suggestions

To bolster Kentucky's low-carbon electricity generation, the state can draw inspiration from regions that have excelled in clean energy deployment, particularly in solar and nuclear technologies. States like California and Nevada have effectively tapped into abundant solar resources, generating more than 30% of their electricity from solar power. Similarly, South Carolina and New Hampshire provide examples of robust nuclear energy usage, with nuclear power contributing over half of their electricity. By focusing on expanding both solar and nuclear energy, Kentucky can not only reduce its carbon footprint but also ensure a steady supply of clean and sustainable electricity to meet future demands.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Kentucky shows modest developments. In 2024, hydropower saw a slight increase in generation, providing an additional 0.2 TWh compared to the prior year. By contrast, 2025 experienced a minor setback in hydropower, with a reduction of 0.2 TWh, while biofuels remained unchanged over these years. These changes indicate a need for more ambitious initiatives in the state to significantly boost low-carbon electricity, particularly through solar and nuclear energy investment, to ensure a resilient and sustainable energy future for Kentucky.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade