In Indiana, the electricity consumption over the past year, from July 2025 to June 2026, has shown a pronounced reliance on fossil fuels, with over three-quarters of electricity generated from these sources. Specifically, coal and gas each account for large shares, approximately 41% and 35% respectively, reflecting significant fossil fuel dependency in the state. On the other hand, the contribution from low-carbon or clean energy sources stands at about 18%, with wind energy making up almost half of the low-carbon segment at around 9%, and solar energy providing close to 8%. Additionally, net imports account for a small portion, at roughly 3%, indicating limited reliance on electricity from external sources. This energy mix highlights the considerable work needed to improve Indiana's clean electricity profile and reduce the negative impacts of fossil fuel consumption, including climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Indiana?

Electricity consumption in Indiana is on an upward trajectory. In 2026, the total electricity consumed per person reached 16,652 kWh, marking an increase from the previous record of 16,369 kWh in 2025, a rise of 283 kWh per person. Particularly notable in this growth is the increase in low-carbon electricity generation, which rose from 2,588 kWh per person in 2025 to 2,928 kWh in 2026, an impressive increase of 339 kWh per person. While the growth in clean energy generation is a step in the right direction, the substantial reliance on fossil fuels remains a concern that needs to be addressed to meet future electrification demands sustainably.

Suggestions

For Indiana to further boost its low-carbon electricity generation, it would be beneficial to learn from other successful regions. States like Iowa and South Dakota have demonstrated the potential of wind energy, each generating over half of their electricity from wind. Similarly, solar energy success stories in states like Nevada and California, where solar contributes 35% and 31% respectively, suggest room for growth in Indiana’s solar capacity. Nuclear energy also presents significant opportunities for diversification and stability in low-carbon power; Indiana could look to nearby states like Illinois and South Carolina, where nearly half or more of the electricity is generated through nuclear facilities. By drawing inspiration from these successful models and emphasizing solar and nuclear power, Indiana can significantly enhance its clean energy landscape and contribute to the global mission of sustainability.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Indiana has shown fluctuations, with recent years marking positive growth. In 2024, wind energy saw a notable increase, adding 1.5 TWh, although there were slight declines in hydro and biofuel generation. This trend continued into 2025 with no significant changes in generation across these sources, showing a moment of stagnation. However, 2026 brought a further increase in wind capacity by 0.6 TWh, indicating a positive yet still underwhelming trend. Despite the recent growth, the historical pattern points to the potential for bolstering low-carbon electricity significantly, particularly by expanding solar and spearheading nuclear energy development, given their high generation potential and the pressing need to transition to cleaner energy sources. It is crucial for Indiana to maintain and accelerate this recent momentum in clean energy development to ensure a sustainable energy 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.