In Louisiana, the recent period from July 2025 to June 2026 shows that electricity consumption heavily leans towards fossil energy sources, with more than three-quarters of the electricity being generated from fossil fuels. Gas, taking up nearly 70% of the energy mix, dominates fossil fuel usage. In contrast, only a little over 22% of the electricity comes from low-carbon sources, which include both nuclear energy and solar power. Nuclear power is the leading clean energy source, providing almost 17% of the total electricity consumption, while solar energy, both utility-scale and smaller installations, contributes close to 3%. There is a small contribution from biofuels, rounding out the picture of low-carbon energy generation in the state.

Is Electricity Growing in Louisiana?

When assessing the trajectory of Louisiana’s electricity consumption, there is a noticeable decline from its peak usage levels. The total electricity consumption per person now stands at approximately 23,670 kWh, a decrease from the highest recorded consumption of about 25,598 kWh per person in 2023. Despite this overall decline in per capita electricity use, there is a positive development in low-carbon electricity generation, which has increased to 5,234 kWh per person from 4,575 kWh per person in the prior record year of 2025. This indicates that while overall electricity demand has decreased, the share of cleaner electricity generation has showcased growth, marking a shift towards more sustainable energy consumption practices.

Suggestions

To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Louisiana could focus on expanding its existing nuclear capacity, as nuclear already represents a significant portion of the state’s energy mix. Learning from successful examples in other regions, such as France and Slovakia where nuclear energy comprises an impressive nearly two-thirds of their electricity production, Louisiana has substantial potential to grow its nuclear output. Furthermore, the success of states such as California and Nevada in integrating solar energy, contributing around 30-35% of their electricity from this source, provides a blueprint for Louisiana to harness its abundant sunshine to expand solar energy. By tapping into the experiences of these regions, Louisiana can move towards a more robust and clean energy portfolio that meets growing demand and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.

History

In the recent history of Louisiana's low-carbon electricity development, nuclear energy has been the most dynamic sector. Over the years 2024 through 2026, nuclear power has seen consistent growth, adding 2.4 TWh in 2024, 0.6 TWh in 2025, and a further increase of 2.8 TWh in 2026. While hydroelectric contributions began to stabilize, adding only 0.2 TWh in 2024 without further increases in subsequent years, biofuels maintained a constant output. This pattern highlights nuclear energy's role as the driving force in advancing low-carbon electricity in Louisiana, securing its place as a key component of the state's clean energy strategy. As the decade progresses, sustained efforts in nuclear expansion could significantly boost Louisiana's transition towards a more sustainable and resilient electric grid.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.