In North Carolina over the past 12 months, from April 2025 to March 2026, electricity consumption showcases a significant reliance on both fossil fuels and low-carbon sources. Fossil energy comprises slightly less than half of the state's electricity, with natural gas being the predominant source at about 36%, and coal contributing just over 11%. On the clean energy side, low-carbon technologies account for nearly 41% of electricity usage. Nuclear power leads in this category, providing more than a quarter of the state's electricity at approximately 28%. Solar energy, primarily from utility sources, also plays a role, offering around 9%. Other contributors like hydropower add a smaller portion, almost 3%. Net imports fill the remaining demand, making up close to 12% of the total electricity supply.

Is Electricity Growing in North Carolina?

Despite these contributions, electricity growth in North Carolina appears stagnant. The state's total electricity consumption has leveled off at around 13,859 kWh per person, showing no increase from 2025 to 2026. Unfortunately, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a minor decline, reducing from 5,717 kWh per person in 2025 to 5,671 kWh in 2026. This stagnation is concerning as it underscores an urgent need to enhance clean electricity generation to fulfill future demand, especially in the context of increasing electrification and technological advancement including AI, which require more sustainable electricity.

Suggestions

North Carolina has the potential to significantly boost its clean electricity output, particularly by expanding its nuclear capacities, which are already a major low-carbon contributor, and increasing solar installations. Learning from successful regions can guide this expansion. For instance, South Carolina demonstrates the significant role nuclear energy can play, contributing over half of their electricity. Similarly, states like California and Nevada showcase the successful integration of solar power, producing 31% and 34% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Emulating such models could place North Carolina on a path toward a more sustainable and resilient electricity sector, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

History

In terms of historical trends, North Carolina's low-carbon electricity generation has witnessed fluctuating contributions over recent years. Some important milestones include a rise in nuclear and hydroelectric power in 2024, with nuclear power increasing by 1 TWh and hydropower by 0.6 TWh. However, there was a slight contraction in nuclear generation in the subsequent years, declining by 0.3 TWh in 2025 and further decreasing by 0.4 TWh in 2026. While these fluctuations highlight the variable landscape, certain discouraging trends like reductions in nuclear capacity are concerning; North Carolina should instead focus on reversing this trajectory to bolster its clean electricity generation. Prioritizing strategic investments in nuclear and solar energy can secure a stable, low-carbon future for the state.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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