Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, North Carolina's electricity consumption showed a diverse energy mix with a significant portion attributed to both fossil and low-carbon resources. Close to half of the electricity used, about 48%, came from fossil fuels, with natural gas accounting for more than a third (37%) and coal contributing about 11%. In terms of low-carbon sources, these composed over 40% of electricity consumption. Nuclear energy was a substantial contributor, providing around 28%, while solar energy added approximately 9% to the mix. Hydropower contributed a smaller slice, about 3%. Additionally, a tenth of the electricity was imported from other areas. These numbers highlight the state’s dependency on both fossil and clean energy sources, with nuclear and solar playing pivotal roles in the low-carbon segment.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in North Carolina?
Despite North Carolina’s diverse energy profile, the data shows that electricity consumption per person has decreased relative to historical peaks. The latest figure for 2025 was approximately 13,619 kWh per person, which is a reduction from the record of about 16,494 kWh per person in 2004. This downward trend indicates a shrinking demand or increased efficiency, but it may also point to concerns regarding the growth required to meet future demands brought about by electrification and economic activities. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person is also lower than its historic peak from 2020. Such declines underline the importance of efforts to both augment current capacity and innovate toward increased efficiency and cleaner electricity generation.
Suggestions
To bolster green electricity generation, North Carolina could focus on expanding its established nuclear infrastructure, as this source already provides a significant portion of its low-carbon electricity. Additionally, taking cues from regions with successful clean energy initiatives may be beneficial. For instance, France and Slovakia lead with exceptional nuclear utilization, generating around 70% and 66% of their electricity from this clean source. Closer to home, South Carolina showcases efficient nuclear capabilities with 53% reliance on this technology. Similarly, regarding solar energy, Nevada is a strong performer, with solar energy comprising 33% of its electricity generation. By following the examples of these regions, North Carolina can effectively expand its nuclear and solar capabilities to achieve its energy and environmental goals.
History
Over the decades, North Carolina has seen various fluctuations in its low-carbon power generation landscape. During the late 2000s and early 2010s, hydropower experienced several declines, while nuclear energy saw mixed trends. Notably, in 2012, there was a decline of nuclear production by over 1 TWh; however, subsequent years saw positive increments in nuclear generation, including a notable addition in 2015 and 2016. The most recent period, 2024, demonstrated a boost in nuclear output by 1 TWh, indicating a positive trajectory. The potential for nuclear and solar to provide cleaner energy solutions is clear, and these expansions can rectify past inconsistencies to ensure a sustainable and reliable energy future for North Carolina.
