From September 2024 to August 2025, Nebraska's electricity consumption consisted of a nearly balanced mix of low-carbon and fossil fuel sources. Low-carbon electricity accounted for almost half of the total consumption at 49%. The majority of this clean electricity came from wind, which provided almost 30%, while nuclear contributed approximately 15%, and hydropower added a small yet pivotal 3%. In contrast, fossil fuels continued to play a significant role, making up more than 46% of the electricity consumption. Within this category, coal is the primary source, contributing over 43%, with natural gas adding a little more than 3%. Net imports accounted for almost 4% of the electricity consumption, a relatively minor component compared to Nebraska’s internal energy generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nebraska?
Despite Nebraska's potential to harness clean energy, the state's electricity consumption per person has seen a downturn. In 2025, Nebraska's electricity consumption per person reached about 19,895 kWh, which shows a decline from the previous peak of 21,080 kWh per person set in 2015. This latest figure displays a decrease of 1,185 kWh of electricity consumption per person over ten years, signaling a worrisome decline rather than growth. Furthermore, the state's low-carbon electricity generation per person also dropped, reporting 9,748 kWh compared to a previous 10,128 kWh in 2023, representing a decline of 380 kWh. These declines highlight the urgent need for action to enhance Nebraska's clean energy production to meet growing electrification demands.
Suggestions
To ramp up its low-carbon electricity generation, Nebraska should expand its existing wind and nuclear power capacity, as these are already significant contributors. Drawing inspiration from regions like Iowa and South Dakota, which successfully generate 60% and 56% of their electricity from wind, Nebraska could boost its wind energy sector. Similarly, states like Illinois and New Hampshire, which generate over half of their electricity from nuclear sources, exemplify how Nebraska can optimize its nuclear facilities. The comparative successes of these regions illustrate that strategic investments in both wind and nuclear energy can substantially elevate Nebraska’s trajectory towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.
History
Historically, Nebraska's progression in low-carbon electricity generation has had its ups and downs, particularly evident when viewing nuclear energy data. In the early 2010s, nuclear generation fluctuated, with significant increases in 2007 by 2 TWh and 2010 by 1.6 TWh, yet encountered major setbacks like a 4.1 TWh reduction in 2011. Concurrently, wind energy began showing promise with increments starting in 2014, gaining traction with consistent growth through to at least 2022. Such expansion of wind power represents a positive trend, counteracting some of the nuclear setbacks. Nonetheless, the nuclear constraints necessitate a renewed focus on steady growth in all sectors of low-carbon electricity generation, echoing the importance of sustaining and advancing Nebraska's green energy initiatives.
