Over the last twelve months, from July 2025 to June 2026, Arkansas has shown a notable trend in electricity consumption. In this period, a large portion, more than half, of Arkansas's electricity came from fossil sources, with gas and coal contributing around 37% and 28%, respectively. On the cleaner side, a significant chunk, slightly over a third, came from low-carbon sources like nuclear, solar, and hydropower. Nuclear power contributed more than 20%, solar energy added nearly 9%, and hydropower provided about 4%. Even though biofuels were part of the mix, their contribution was close to none, only about 1%. This diversification in energy sources reflects a balanced approach, yet there's ample room for enhancing low-carbon options.

Is Electricity Growing in Arkansas?

Electricity consumption growth in Arkansas is evident, with the latest number standing at 22,065 kWh per person, marking an increase from the previous record of 21,619 kWh per person in 2025. This rise of 446 kWh per person indicates that the state is on a path of increased consumption, a positive trend for economic growth and development. However, it's concerning to note that the low-carbon electricity generation per person declined slightly with the latest record at 7,767 kWh per person, down from 7,952 kWh per person. This drop of 185 kWh per person in clean energy generation is troubling and suggests a pivot towards more sustainable growth by expanding low-carbon energy, especially as fossil fuels continue to contribute significantly to electricity production.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Arkansas should consider expanding its nuclear capacity, given that nuclear energy already provides a substantial portion of the state’s electricity. Learning from South Carolina and Illinois, where nuclear constitutes major parts of their electricity generation at 52% and 49% respectively, could provide valuable strategies. Additionally, investing in solar energy could bring Arkansas closer to the successes seen in Nevada and California, where solar comprises 35% and 31% of their electricity mix. Harnessing the reliable and clean nature of nuclear alongside the growing potential of solar, Arkansas can pave the way for a sustainable energy future while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating their associated environmental impacts.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Arkansas, recent years have shown fluctuations. In 2025, nuclear energy made a significant leap, increasing by 0.4 TWh alongside hydropower and biofuels, each increasing by 0.1 TWh. However, this growth was short-lived as 2026 saw a sharp decline in nuclear generation by 1.1 TWh, accompanied by a decrease in hydropower by 0.4 TWh. In contrast, 2026 marked the introduction of wind energy to the state's mix with a 0.2 TWh increase, a positive step towards diversifying their low-carbon portfolio. The recent drop in nuclear output is concerning, especially given its significant contribution to clean energy. Therefore, it is crucial for Arkansas to focus on expanding its nuclear capacity further, along with increasing solar capacity, to ensure a sustainable energy supply for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.