In 2025, Louisiana's electricity consumption continues to be heavily reliant on fossil fuels, accounting for more than three-quarters of the total energy mix. Gas is the dominant fossil fuel, making up nearly 69% of the overall consumption, while coal contributes a relatively smaller portion at just over 5%. On the low-carbon front, almost a fifth of the state's electricity comes from cleaner sources. Nuclear power is the main contributor among these, providing over 14% of the electricity mix. Solar energy, although growing, still remains a modest participant, with utility and other solar sources combining to produce just over 2.6% of electricity. Biofuels make up close to 2% of the total mix. Additionally, net imports account for around 4.5% of the electricity consumption, providing an external supplement to the state's energy needs.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Louisiana?
Observing the electricity consumption trends in Louisiana indicates a decline rather than growth. The total electricity consumption per person in 2025 is 23,605 kWh, which has decreased by nearly 2,000 kWh per person compared to the historic record set in 2023. This decline could pose challenges especially given the anticipated increase in demand due to factors such as electrification and AI growth. However, on a more positive note, low-carbon electricity generation per person has seen an upswing. Recent data shows that low-carbon sources now provide 4,575 kWh per person, registering an increase of 432 kWh per person from the previous record set in 2024, suggesting focused efforts towards cleaner energy.
Suggestions
To further bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Louisiana should consider expanding its nuclear capabilities, as nuclear power is already a significant player in the state's energy mix. Looking at successful regions elsewhere can provide valuable insights. For example, France and Slovakia harness over 60% of their electricity needs from nuclear energy, demonstrating the potential for substantial increases in low-carbon electricity production. Additionally, the state should draw inspiration from regions like Nevada and California, which have made significant strides in solar electricity generation, achieving levels of 34% and 31% respectively. By leveraging the lessons from these regions and prioritizing the development of nuclear and solar power, Louisiana could significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and enhance clean energy production.
History
Historically, Louisiana's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced varied changes over time. In recent years, nuclear energy has witnessed incremental growth, with a 2.4 TWh increase in 2024, followed by a 0.6 TWh increase in 2025, indicating a positive trend towards enhanced nuclear capacity. Meanwhile, hydro and biofuels have seen negligible changes in the past years, with hydro experiencing slight growth in 2024 and 2025 but no change for biofuels. This historical pattern underscores the importance of continued investment in nuclear energy, complemented by solar power expansions, as a strategy to improve the state's low-carbon electricity portfolio and mitigate the impacts of fossil fuels on the environment.
