In the recent period spanning from April 2025 to March 2026, Missouri's electricity consumption was primarily fueled by fossil sources, with more than half of the electricity, approximately 62%, derived from these energy types. Coal alone accounted for a substantial 50%, demonstrating its dominance in the state's energy mix. Low-carbon sources contributed to just over a fifth of the consumption, with nuclear energy providing over 8%, wind energy topping 7%, and solar energy contributing around 3%. Net imports made up about 18% of the electricity used. Despite the presence of clean energy sources, fossil fuels remain the leading component of Missouri's electricity portfolio.

Is Electricity Growing in Missouri?

Considering the overall growth of electricity consumption in Missouri, it appears there is a slight stagnation. The per capita electricity consumption in 2026 was 14105 kWh, which signifies a small decline from the previous year's record of 14151 kWh. This indicates a decrease of 46 kWh per person. The situation is more concerning in the area of low-carbon electricity production, where the latest generation was 2891 kWh per person, showing a more notable decline of 238 kWh from the 2024 peak of 3129 kWh per person. This decline in low-carbon electricity generation needs to be addressed to support sustainable growth and development in the future.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Missouri, the state can draw inspiration from regions successfully harnessing clean energy sources. Iowa, for instance, generates over 57% of its electricity from wind power, making it a model for wind energy enhancement. Additionally, states like Illinois and South Carolina generate about half of their electricity from nuclear energy, illustrating significant reliance on this source. Missouri could implement policies promoting wind and nuclear energy investments to emulate these successful regions. Further, solar energy’s potential, as evidenced by Nevada's production at 34%, highlights opportunities for Missouri to expand solar infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable and diversified energy future.

History

Historically, Missouri has seen fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity production. In 2024, there was a notable increase in nuclear output by 1.3 TWh and hydropower by 0.4 TWh, marking a year of growth. However, 2025 was a challenging year with a significant drop of 3.4 TWh in nuclear generation and a minor decline in wind energy by 0.3 TWh. In 2026, there were modest improvements, with wind energy increasing by 0.3 TWh and nuclear slightly rising by 0.1 TWh. While recent small steps are encouraging, the substantial decrease in nuclear electricity highlights a challenging period for low-carbon expansion, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic development initiatives in clean energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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