In the period from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption patterns in Tennessee show a balanced distribution between net imports, fossil fuels, and low-carbon energy sources. Net imports account for a bit more than a third of the electricity supply. Fossil fuels, like coal and gas, also constitute roughly a third of the electricity mix, with coal and gas nearly evenly split between themselves. Low-carbon energy types provide almost another third of the electricity, with nuclear power leading the way as a significant contributor, supplying more than a fifth of the electricity. Hydropower and solar energy add small but important contributions, with hydropower providing a slightly larger share than solar.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tennessee?
Electricity consumption per person in Tennessee, at 15,211 kWh in 2025, reflects a decline compared to the previous peak in 2005 when it stood at 18,256 kWh. This drop of 3,045 kWh indicates that electricity consumption may not be growing as rapidly as desired. Additionally, the decline in low-carbon electricity generation per person from its peak in 2020 is also concerning, as the latest numbers show a reduction of 2,373 kWh. These trends highlight the need for a strategic shift towards expanding clean electricity sources to reinvigorate growth and meet the demands of a transitioning energy landscape.
Suggestions
Tennessee could significantly boost its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing nuclear power capabilities, as this source already constitutes a substantial portion of its electricity mix. Observing successful regions like South Carolina and France, where nuclear power accounts for more than half of the electricity supply, provides a valuable roadmap for nuclear expansion in Tennessee. For solar energy, Nevada and Lebanon have achieved more than 30% of their electricity from solar, indicating the potential for solar growth in Tennessee's sunny regions. Learning from these examples, Tennessee can forge a path toward a cleaner and more sustainable electricity future, capitalizing on the strength of nuclear and solar power.
History
Looking back at Tennessee's history of low-carbon electricity, we see a pattern of fluctuating fortunes particularly within the nuclear sector. While nuclear power saw significant increases several times, including notable boosts in 2007, 2013, and 2016, there have also been troubling declines, such as the considerable reductions observed in 2006, 2012, and more recently in 2024 and 2025. On the hydropower front, the trends have been similarly variable, with surges in years like 2009 and 2013, contrasted by drops in other years. These fluctuations underscore the importance of a stable and forward-thinking approach in increasing Tennessee's low-carbon energy production to ensure a consistent supply of clean electricity.
