In Missouri, the electricity consumption over the 12-month period from July 2025 to June 2026 was predominantly dependent on fossil fuels, accounting for nearly 58% of the total electricity generation. More than 46% of this came from coal, with natural gas contributing almost 11%. Low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear, wind, solar, and hydropower, provided about a quarter of Missouri's electricity. Nuclear power was the most significant contributor among these clean energy sources, supplying over 11%, followed by wind at nearly 8% and solar with just over 4%. Additionally, net imports accounted for close to 18% of the state's electricity, suggesting a considerable reliance on external sources to meet demand.

Is Electricity Growing in Missouri?

Missouri has seen modest yet promising growth in electricity consumption. The state achieved a new peak with a total electricity consumption of 14,214 kWh per person in 2026, rising by 63 kWh per person from the previous year's record. Notably, low-carbon electricity generation experienced a meaningful increase, reaching 3,483 kWh per person, an increment of 354 compared to 2024. This positive trend highlights a shift towards more sustainable electricity sources, which is encouraging in light of the pressing need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels for environmental and public health benefits.

Suggestions

To bolster its clean electricity generation, Missouri should consider expanding its existing nuclear facilities due to their significant contribution to the state's low-carbon output. Drawing lessons from successful regions, the emphasis on wind in Iowa and Kansas and solar in Nevada provides invaluable insights for Missouri. Likewise, enhancing nuclear energy capacity, as evidenced in states like Illinois and South Carolina and countries like France, offers a roadmap for greater reliance on sustainable electricity sources. Leveraging the state's potential in solar and nuclear could accelerate its transition to cleaner energy, creating a more resilient and environmentally friendly electricity grid.

History

Historically, Missouri's journey with low-carbon electricity has been marked by fluctuations. In 2024, there was a significant boost in nuclear generation alongside hydropower. However, 2025 saw a troubling decline in nuclear electricity production, with a notable decrease of 3.4 TWh. Encouragingly, 2026 marked a significant recovery with an impressive increase in nuclear power of 2.7 TWh and a modest gain in wind energy. While biofuels have shown no growth, these shifts underscore the critical need for stable and consistently growing investments, particularly in nuclear energy, to sustain Missouri's clean energy advancements.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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