In Arkansas, the electricity consumption from September 2024 to August 2025 reveals a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with almost two-thirds of electricity sourced from gas and coal. Specifically, gas contributes more than a third while coal provides just under a third, highlighting a heavy dependence on these high carbon sources. In contrast, low-carbon or clean electricity generation accounts for slightly more than a third of the state’s total consumption. Nuclear power serves as the leading source of clean energy, contributing nearly a quarter of the state’s electricity. Solar and hydropower make more modest contributions, with solar providing around 7%, hydropower about 5%, and biofuels contributing a negligible amount. This snapshot of Arkansas’s electricity mix indicates that while there is a strong presence of low-carbon energy, the state still relies heavily on fossil fuels for its consumption.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Arkansas?
The current trends in electricity consumption in Arkansas are concerning, as there has been a recent decline both in total electricity usage per person and in clean electricity generation per person. As of 2025, the total electricity consumption per person stands at 20,324 kWh, a decrease of 2,250 kWh from the record high in 2018. This shows a worrying trend of stagnating demand, which could slow down the much-needed transition to electricity to meet climate goals and adapt to new electrification technologies like electric vehicles. Likewise, the low-carbon electricity generation declined by 83 kWh/person from its previous record in 2004, amounting to 7,528 kWh per person. These decreases highlight the necessity for Arkansas to revitalively pursue electricity expansion, particularly in the low-carbon sector, ensuring sustainable growth for future demands.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation in Arkansas, expanding the existing nuclear infrastructure while investing further in solar power is crucial. Lessons can be drawn from regions successfully harnessing these clean energies. For nuclear energy, France, with 69%, and Slovakia, with 67%, showcase the substantial contribution this source can make. In terms of solar power, Lebanon and Nevada, each generating around 30% of their electricity from the sun, provide valuable insights into bolstering solar infrastructure. These strategies can diversify and strengthen Arkansas’s electricity mix, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels while boosting low-carbon energy's share, aligning with the broader global movement towards sustainable and clean power.
History
Historically, Arkansas’s journey in low-carbon electricity has seen many fluctuations. In the early 2000s, nuclear faced several setbacks, with significant declines in 2005 and again in 2008, although there were positive rebounds in intermediate years like 2006 and 2009. Into the 2010s, it experienced renewed growth until a substantial dip in 2013 and a recovery afterward. Notable increases in solar power in the last couple of years, 2024 and 2025, indicate promising growth in this sector. Hydropower saw minor oscillations but has remained relatively stable. Overall, Arkansas's clean energy sector displays an encouraging potential for future expansion, building on recent successes while addressing past inconsistencies.
