Electricity in Kentucky in 2024/2025
Over the last 12 months, spanning from June 2024 to May 2025, Kentucky's electricity consumption has been predominantly fueled by fossil energies, with fossil sources making up more than four-fifths of the total supply. Coal alone accounts for more than half of the state’s electricity mix at 59%, followed by natural gas at nearly a quarter, around 24%. The state also relies on net imports for a significant portion of its energy needs, comprising about 12% of the supply. Low-carbon or clean energy sources, on the other hand, contribute close to none, at just under 6%, with hydropower making up the lion's share of this segment at about 5%.
Is Electricity Growing in Kentucky?
Electricity consumption in Kentucky appears to be on a concerning downward trend. In 2025, the latest figures show consumption at 17,154 kWh per person, which is significantly lower than the peak usage recorded in 2006, representing a reduction of more than 6,000 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation, which is crucial for sustainable development, has seen a decline. In 2025, low-carbon electricity generation stands at 1,026 kWh per person, which is 171 kWh per person less than the record high in 2020. These staggering declines in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption are worrying as they suggest a shrinking of green energy initiatives in the state.
Suggestions
To augment low-carbon electricity generation, Kentucky could take inspiration from regions that have successfully enhanced their clean energy profile. For instance, nuclear energy is a substantial part of the energy mix in countries like France and states like South Carolina and Illinois, each of which has over 50% of its electricity generated from nuclear power. Similarly, Iowa and South Dakota have successfully harnessed the potential of wind energy, with more than 60% of their electricity coming from this source. Implementing policies to boost investments in solar and nuclear power could provide Kentucky with a substantial increase in low-carbon electricity generation, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient energy future.
History
During the early 2000s, Kentucky witnessed fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity supply, especially from hydropower. The state saw a series of declines between 2005 and 2007, with notable increases in other years, such as a 1.4 TWh jump in 2009 and another significant rise in 2017 with an increase of 1 TWh. From the mid-2010s onwards, hydropower generation stabilized with moderate increases, including a 0.8 TWh growth in 2020. Recently, in 2025, Kentucky made strides in diversifying its low-carbon portfolio by adding solar power, which contributed 0.4 TWh. However, despite this new development, hydropower still faced another reduction of 0.3 TWh. The state’s prior patterns indicate an urgent need for strategic investments in clean, stable energy sources like nuclear power to enhance the reliability and scale of its low-carbon electricity generation.