Over the last 12 months, from April 2025 to March 2026, electricity consumption in Ohio has been heavily reliant on fossil fuel sources, which account for more than two-thirds of the state’s electricity production. This includes nearly half coming from gas and about a fifth from coal. On the other hand, low-carbon energy constitutes a modest portion of the mix. Nuclear energy contributes almost 10%, while solar energy, including utility solar, provides around 5%. Wind power remains a small component at less than 2% of Ohio's electricity consumption, highlighting significant room for growth in the clean energy sector.

Is Electricity Growing in Ohio?

Recent data indicates a slight growth in electricity consumption in Ohio, with a per-person usage of 15,176 kWh in 2026. This shows an increase of 193 kWh per person from the previous record in 2025. Encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation has also witnessed a small uptick, with an increase of 42 kWh per person, achieving 2,513 kWh per person. While these figures demonstrate growth, the changes are incremental, pointing to a broader need for Ohio to commit more robustly to sustainable electricity development to meet future demands, especially given the pressures of climate change and the need for cleaner energy solutions.

Suggestions

To improve its low-carbon electricity generation, Ohio could benefit significantly from strategies employed by other successful regions. For example, Iowa and South Dakota have achieved more than half of their electricity generation from wind, showcasing the potential of expanding wind power in similar Midwestern climates. Similarly, Ohio can look to France or Illinois, where nuclear energy dominance—making up 67% and 50% of the electricity share, respectively—illustrates the profound role that nuclear power can play in reducing carbon emissions. By harnessing both solar and nuclear energy, learning from states like Nevada and California, Ohio could diversify and strengthen its clean energy contributions, aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing energy security.

History

Historically, Ohio's journey towards low-carbon electricity has been marked by fluctuations. A notable growth in nuclear energy occurred in 2024 with an increase of 1.7 TWh, indicating a significant contribution toward clean electricity production. However, there was a slight decline of 0.8 TWh in 2025, underscoring moments missed in sustaining momentum. Wind energy saw a promising but cautious start with a 0.2 TWh increase in 2025, followed by a minor drop in 2026. Both biofuels and hydroelectric output remained stagnant during these years. While these periods reflect some advancements, they also highlight critical opportunities missed, suggesting Ohio can and should push for considerably more growth in low-carbon sectors to establish a resilient and sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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