In examining Mississippi's electricity consumption over the past year, covering June 2024 to May 2025, it is evident that fossil energy sources dominate, contributing almost 80% of total electricity generation. A significant portion of this, about three-quarters, comes from gas, with coal contributing a smaller share. On the low-carbon energy front, around 21% of electricity is sourced from clean technologies. Nuclear energy leads this category, providing slightly more than 15%, while solar energy and biofuels account for smaller fractions of Mississippi's clean electricity generation. This mix reflects a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, indicating ample opportunity and urgency for a transition towards more sustainable sources.
Is Electricity Growing in Mississippi?
Electricity consumption in Mississippi is on an upward trajectory, reflecting a growing demand for power. Total electricity consumption per person rose from a previous record of 25,270 kWh in 2024 to 25,522 kWh in 2025, marking an increase of 252 kWh per capita. This is accompanied by a notable surge in low-carbon electricity, which has increased by 593 kWh per person from the previous year, reaching 5,295 kWh per individual. While the state's overall electricity consumption has grown steadily, the more significant increase in low-carbon electricity is an encouraging sign that Mississippi is making progress toward embracing cleaner energy sources.
Suggestions
To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Mississippi should consider the expansion of its existing nuclear capacity, a strategy that has proven effective in other regions. Looking to states like South Carolina and Illinois, where nuclear energy accounts for more than half and slightly over 50% of their electricity respectively, Mississippi can draw valuable lessons in scaling up its nuclear capabilities. Additionally, drawing inspiration from regions like Nevada and Lebanon, which have embraced solar energy at scales of 29% and 31% respectively, can guide Mississippi in expanding its solar infrastructure. By leveraging the experiences of successful regions in integrating both nuclear and solar technologies, Mississippi can make substantial strides in its transition to clean electricity.
History
Historically, Mississippi's journey with low-carbon electricity has been marked by fluctuations in nuclear power generation. In the early 2000s, there were notable increases and decreases, with a significant decline of 1.1 TWh in 2007, followed by some recovery years. However, the period also saw setbacks, particularly a drop of almost 6 TWh in 2016. Most recently, nuclear power in 2025 experienced modest growth of 0.8 TWh. Despite these challenges, solar energy has begun to gain traction, with incremental increases in 2024 and 2025. Looking ahead, focusing on stable development of nuclear and solar energy will be crucial for Mississippi to maintain a robust and sustainable low-carbon electricity portfolio.