As of the latest data covering May 2024 through April 2025, the electricity consumption in the United States shows that slightly more than half of the electricity—57.8%—comes from fossil fuels, primarily dominated by natural gas at about 41% and coal at 16%. On the promising side, low-carbon or clean energy sources contribute a significant portion, just over 42%, to the total electricity supply. Nuclear power stands as a substantial contributor, making up about 17% of this low-carbon share, while wind and solar energy contribute around 10% and 7% respectively, showcasing a steady commitment towards cleaner electricity generation. Other contributions include hydropower and biofuels, forming a smaller part of the low-carbon mix. The ongoing integration of various clean energy sources indicates progress, yet the high reliance on fossil fuels remains a concern for climate impacts.
Is Electricity Growing in United States?
Addressing electricity growth, the United States has witnessed a notable decline in per capita electricity consumption, reflecting a decrease from a historical peak of 14,606 kWh per person in 2005 to 12,961 kWh per person in 2025, a reduction of about 1,644 kWh. However, there is an encouraging trend in low-carbon electricity generation per person, setting a new record with 5,450 kWh in 2025, an increase of 111 kWh from the previous year's record. While the overall consumption shows a downward trajectory, the growth in low-carbon electricity signifies positive progress in addressing climate change and meeting sustainable energy goals, although the overall electricity demand needs to grow to support economic and technological advancements.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, the United States can benefit from expanding both nuclear energy and wind energy, which already have a solid foundation in the country's energy mix. Learning from regions like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind energy contributes more than 60% to their electricity, states in the U.S. could develop similar strategies to harness wind power effectively. Similarly, countries like France and Slovakia exemplify the potential of nuclear energy, accounting for 69% and 64% respectively, which may guide the United States towards enhanced nuclear capacity. Meanwhile, exploring successful solar strategies, as seen in Nevada and California, which achieve over 20% of their power from solar, would further enhance the U.S.'s low-carbon electricity footprint. By focusing on these areas, the U.S. can accelerate its transition towards more sustainable and clean electricity generation, setting a precedent for broader electrification.
History
Historically, the trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in the United States reflects periods of both significant growth and fluctuations, especially in nuclear and hydroelectric power. The late 20th century, particularly from the mid-1970s through the 1980s, saw remarkable growth in nuclear energy, with significant boosts of up to 75.5 TWh in 1988, playing a pivotal role in diversifying the energy mix. Despite occasional declines, such as the notable reduction by 48.8 TWh in 1997, nuclear power rebounded, demonstrating its resilience and essential contribution to the grid. Hydroelectric power also experienced periods of fluctuation, with substantial increases in some years, like 77 TWh in 2002, countered by declines in other years, such as a drop of 65.3 TWh in 2001. More recently, the emergence of solar power, marked by a 64.2 TWh increase in 2024, underscores an evolving landscape towards a more diversified and robust low-carbon electricity supply. These developments highlight the need for continued focus on expanding clean energy sources, ensuring sustainable growth in electricity generation for the future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.