Over the past year, extending from April 2025 to March 2026, electricity consumption in Louisiana heavily relied on fossil energy, which accounted for more than three quarters of the total electricity generated, with gas alone contributing close to seventy percent. Coal also played a minor role, making up about five percent of the fossil fuel share. Low-carbon energy, which comprises a diverse mix of nuclear, solar, and biofuels, contributed to just over a fifth of the electricity production in the state. Within the low-carbon category, nuclear was the most significant contributor, producing more than seventy percent of the clean electricity, while solar energy, both utility and non-utility combined, provided just over two and a half percent. Additionally, electricity imports into the region accounted for approximately three percent of the total electricity consumed.

Is Electricity Growing in Louisiana?

While Louisiana's overall electricity consumption has shown a slight decline in recent years, there has been a notable improvement in the generation of low-carbon electricity. The latest data reveals that electricity consumption per person in Louisiana dropped to approximately 23,547 kWh from a record high of 25,598 kWh in 2023. This decline in consumption is concerning for the state's growth as it suggests a stagnation in electricity utilization, which is crucial for meeting the needs of electrification and AI advancements. However, the silver lining lies in the low-carbon electricity sector, which has witnessed an increase in generation. The latest low-carbon electricity generation reached 4,878 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record of 4,575 kWh per person set in 2025. This growth highlights progress in the right direction, although additional efforts are needed to significantly elevate the role of clean electricity sources in meeting Louisiana's demands.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation further, Louisiana should consider expanding its existing nuclear facilities, as these already contribute significantly to the state's clean electricity output. By learning from successful regions, such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes more than sixty percent to their electricity generation, Louisiana can significantly uplift its nuclear capacity. Additionally, states like Nevada and California provide valuable insights into the deployment of solar energy, contributing more than thirty percent of electricity generation. Emulating such regions, Louisiana can enhance its clean electricity portfolio by tapping into its solar potential. Transitioning towards these proven low-carbon strategies can not only enhance self-sufficiency but also mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and pollution from fossil fuels.

History

Reflecting on Louisiana's history of low-carbon electricity, the last few years have shown promising trends. In 2024, there was an impressive increase in nuclear electricity generation by 2.4 TWh, alongside a slight rise in hydroelectricity. The trend of positive nuclear development persisted, with an additional increase of 0.6 TWh in 2025 and a further 1.2 TWh in 2026. These strides signify a consistent and essential enhancement of low-carbon sources, predominantly driven by nuclear power. Biofuels, on the other hand, maintained a steady but limited contribution with no significant changes. Looking forward, a focused strategy on nuclear and solar expansion could catapult Louisiana into the forefront of clean electricity generation, setting a precedent for sustainable growth and development.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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