In Nebraska, the current state of electricity consumption shows a nearly balanced reliance on low-carbon and fossil sources. Low-carbon sources contribute to about 49% of the electricity, with wind being the most significant at over 28%, followed by nuclear energy at roughly 17%, and hydropower at just below 3%. Fossil fuels make up roughly 48% of the electricity generation, with coal being the dominant fossil fuel at more than 44% and natural gas at just over 3%. Net imports are quite minimal, accounting for a little over 2% of the overall electricity supply.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nebraska?
Electricity consumption in Nebraska is on an upward trend, as indicated by the increase in total electricity use per person to 20,524 kWh in 2025, up from a previous record of 19,868 kWh per person in 2023. This increase signifies a growth of 655 kWh per person. However, the low-carbon generation did not witness a similar growth trend, falling slightly by 41 kWh per person from the 2023 levels of 10,128 kWh. This stagnation in clean electricity, while concerning, presents an opportunity for Nebraska to strengthen its clean energy infrastructure to support rising electricity demand, especially from sustainable sources.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Nebraska should focus on expanding its existing nuclear and wind capacities, as these technologies already contribute significantly to the state's clean energy mix. Nebraska can learn from regions like France and Illinois, where nuclear energy accounts for a major portion of electricity generation at 67% and 50%, respectively, showcasing the potential for nuclear expansion. Furthermore, Nebraska can take cues from its neighbor Iowa, where wind energy contributes 58% of the electricity mix. By building on these strategies, Nebraska can ensure a more sustainable and resilient energy future, better positioning itself to mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuels like climate change and air pollution.
History
Reflecting on Nebraska's journey with low-carbon electricity, the recent years have been a mix of progress and challenges. In 2024, the nuclear sector unfortunately saw a decline of 0.8 TWh, although this was temporarily reversed in 2025 with a rebound of the same amount, highlighting the need for consistency and investment in this clean technology. Wind energy, after a stable year in 2024, slightly decreased by 0.2 TWh in 2025. Hydropower and biofuels have remained unchanged over these years. Nebraska's dedication to low-carbon electricity needs to be invigorated to prevent any backsliding and to confirm its role in driving the energy transition positively into the future.
