Between September 2024 and August 2025, electricity consumption in Mississippi was predominantly powered by fossil fuels, with gas making up more than three-quarters and coal contributing a smaller fraction. Altogether, fossil fuels accounted for around 80% of the electricity generation, underlining a heavy reliance on non-renewable sources, which are known to contribute to climate change and air pollution. On the other hand, low-carbon electricity sources made up slightly over a fifth of the overall electricity consumption. Most of this clean energy came from nuclear power, generating close to 15% of the total electricity, while solar energy, despite its environmental benefits, contributed merely around 3%. Biofuels accounted for a smaller portion, signifying the need for an amplification in low-carbon energy production.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mississippi?
Electricity consumption in Mississippi is indeed growing, as evidenced by the increase from the previous record in 2024 to the current record in 2025, reaching a total of 26,995 kWh per person. This presents an increase of 707 kWh per person, marking a positive trend in electricity usage, which is essential for supporting an evolving, electrified economy. Moreover, the growth in low-carbon electricity generation is particularly noteworthy, with an increase from 4,758 kWh per person in 2024 to 5,413 kWh per person in 2025. This increase of 656 kWh per person reflects a broader commitment to greener energy, though there remains significant room for additional expansion in cleaner power sources to ensure a sustainable future.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Mississippi should consider expanding its successful nuclear sector, which already constitutes a substantial part of its clean electricity. Learning from states like South Carolina and France, where nuclear power constitutes over half to almost three-quarters of their electricity generation, could provide a valuable blueprint for growth. Additionally, investing more in solar energy could mimic the success seen in regions like Nevada and California, where solar power forms a significant share of electricity generation. By focusing on these strategies, Mississippi can transition more swiftly and efficiently towards a sustainable energy landscape.
History
Over the past two decades, the history of low-carbon electricity in Mississippi, particularly in nuclear energy, has been marked by fluctuations. Notably, significant drops in nuclear output occurred several times, such as the marked decreases in 2012 and 2016, highlighting some instability in recent years. Conversely, there were periods of notable recovery, particularly in the mid-2010s and early 2020s, with 2019 and 2021 witnessing substantial increases in nuclear production. Despite some occasional setbacks, the overall progression suggests a long-term upward trend in low-carbon electricity, recently buoyed by the minor introduction of wind power in 2025. Consequently, with consistent efforts and focus on sustaining and expanding low-carbon energy, Mississippi can overcome past fluctuations and achieve more stable, green power generation.
