Over the past twelve months, from September 2024 to August 2025, Kentucky's electricity landscape has been dominated by fossil fuels. Coal accounts for more than half of the state's electricity generation, specifically about 57%, while gas contributes approximately 22%. Together, these fossil sources contribute almost 80% of the total electricity generation. Adding to the mix, net imports stand at around 13%. Meanwhile, the generation of low-carbon electricity remains small, representing just under 7% of the total. Within this category, hydropower leads with close to 5%, and solar energy contributes around 1.5% overall. Kentucky's reliance on fossil energy poses challenges for reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change.

Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Kentucky?

Recently, Kentucky has observed a decrease in overall electricity consumption. The latest data for 2025 indicates electricity consumption at 17,829 kWh per person, a significant drop from the 2005 record of 23,809 kWh per person. This decline highlights a change of 5,980 kWh per person, signaling a decrease in electricity demand. Despite this reduction in total electricity usage, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a slight increase. The latest figures show low-carbon electricity generation at 1,231 kWh per person, which is a small yet positive change of 23 kWh per person compared to the previous record in 2020. While there are slight gains in sustainable electricity, the overall decrease in consumption presents challenges and opportunities for reform in Kentucky's energy landscape.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Kentucky could look to regions that have successfully integrated clean energy sources. States like Iowa and South Dakota have been successful in incorporating wind power, representing more than 50% of their electricity generation. Similarly, nuclear energy offers a resilient low-carbon option, as demonstrated by France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for over 65% of electricity generation. Kentucky could also focus on expanding its solar infrastructure, taking inspiration from Nevada and Lebanon, where solar contributes over 30% to their electricity mix. By learning from these regions, Kentucky can diversify its low-carbon portfolio and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable electricity.

History

Historically, Kentucky's low-carbon electricity generation, particularly hydropower, has experienced fluctuations. For instance, during the mid-2000s, there was a notable decrease with significant drops in hydro production from 2005 to 2007. However, intermittent rebounds occurred, with years like 2009, 2011, and 2017 each witnessing an increase in hydroelectric output. More recent years, from 2020 onwards, have mainly seen minor fluctuations with slight reductions overall. The state has also diversified slightly by introducing biofuels in 2014. This historical variability indicates both challenges and potential within Kentucky's low-carbon electricity generation. Strengthening consistent policies and fostering new technologies such as solar and nuclear energy can ensure a steadier and more robust growth in clean electricity production for the state.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade