The state of electricity consumption in Mississippi from September 2024 to August 2025 has seen fossil fuels being the predominant source of electricity. More than three-quarters, specifically around 80%, of the electricity is generated from fossil fuels, with gas alone accounting for nearly 75%. Coal contributes a modest portion, just over 5%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources, which include nuclear, solar, and biofuels, make up just over 20% of the total electricity generation. Nuclear power plays the most significant role among low-carbon sources with over 14%, while utility-scale solar contributes about 3%, indicating that low-carbon energy sources currently play a secondary role compared to fossil fuels in Mississippi's energy mix.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Mississippi?
Electricity consumption in Mississippi has been on an upward trajectory, with 2025 seeing the highest level on record at 26,995 kWh per person, marking an increase of 707 kWh per person compared to the previous year, 2024. This increase signifies growth not only in overall electricity consumption but also in the generation of low-carbon electricity, which rose to 5,413 kWh per person in 2025 from 4,758 kWh per person in 2024, translating into an additional 656 kWh per person. While it is promising to see growth in low-carbon generation alongside overall consumption, the reliance on fossil fuels remains a concern for environmental sustainability, necessitating strategic planning to shift towards more low-carbon production.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation in Mississippi, expansion of nuclear capacity is a valuable strategy, given it already contributes significantly to the state’s clean energy profile. Mississippi could learn from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power accounts for 70% and 66% of their electricity generation respectively. Additionally, states like South Carolina and Illinois, where nuclear power achieves more than 50% of generation, could serve as models for increasing this share. In terms of solar, inspiration can be taken from Nevada and California, where solar accounts for about 33% and 29% respectively. Increasing the proportion of these low-carbon sources can reduce dependency on fossil fuels and offer a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Mississippi.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Mississippi, the nuclear energy sector has shown periods of growth amidst fluctuations in recent decades. A notable expansion phase was observed in 2013 with an increase of 3.6 TWh and a surge in 2021 with 5.3 TWh. Despite some significant declines, such as a drop of 5.8 TWh in 2016 and more than 4 TWh in 2020, recent data indicates a rebound with an increase of 3.1 TWh in 2023. The consistency of these peaks underscores the potential for nuclear power to play a central role in future expansion plans. While 2025 saw modest growth, the introduction of wind power contributing 0.2 TWh signals a promising direction towards diversifying and expanding the clean energy footprint in the state. Continued investment and development in nuclear and solar technologies will be crucial in securing a low-carbon energy future for Mississippi.
