In 2025, North Carolina's electricity consumption showcases a diverse energy mix. Fossil fuels still dominate with nearly half of the electricity, primarily from natural gas, which makes up about 35%, and coal contributing an additional 12%. However, low-carbon energy sources are playing a significant role in the state's electricity landscape, accounting for over 40% of the total. Nuclear power is a leading low-carbon source, providing nearly 28% of electricity. Solar energy is also making strides, generating almost 9% from utility-scale operations, complemented by modest contributions from hydropower, which stands at 3%. Around 12% of the state's electricity is imported, further illustrating the need for local clean energy development.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Carolina?
Electricity consumption in North Carolina is on an upward trend. In 2025, the average electricity consumption per person reached 13,859 kWh, marking an increase over the previous record of 13,286 kWh per person in 2024. This growth represents a rise of 573 kWh per person. Encouragingly, the state's low-carbon electricity generation has also set new records, with each resident utilizing approximately 5,717 kWh from low-carbon sources in 2025, an increase of 21 kWh over the previous year. This growth highlights the expanding adoption and perhaps the increasing efficiency of clean technologies, despite the mixed performance across specific low-carbon sources.
Suggestions
To continue increasing low-carbon electricity, North Carolina should consider expanding its successful nuclear capacity, which already constitutes a significant part of its low-carbon generation. Additionally, lessons could be drawn from regions excelling in solar and wind energy. For instance, Nevada and California, each generating 31% of their electricity from solar, offer great examples of successful solar integration that North Carolina could emulate. Furthermore, France and Slovakia are exemplary countries, with nuclear energy contributing 67% and 66% of their electricity, respectively, underscoring the potential for nuclear expansion. By learning from these successful regions, North Carolina can enhance its commitment to sustainable electricity.
History
Historically, the progression of low-carbon electricity in North Carolina has seen various shifts. In 2024, nuclear generation increased by 1 TWh, alongside a 0.6 TWh rise in hydropower, while biofuels dipped slightly by 0.2 TWh. Wind remained stable without any significant change that year. Moving into 2025, there was a minor setback in nuclear and hydropower, showing declines of 0.3 TWh and 0.2 TWh, respectively, while wind gained a modest 0.4 TWh, and biofuels saw a slight increase of 0.1 TWh. These fluctuations in nuclear and hydropower are disappointing, especially given the crucial need for consistent growth in low-carbon electricity to combat the adverse effects of fossil fuel reliance. Nonetheless, the continued push for wind and solar installations will be key in bolstering the state's green energy transition.
