In 2025, Oklahoma's electricity consumption is split between fossil-based and low-carbon sources. Fossil fuels still make up slightly more than half of the electricity generation at 55%, with natural gas being the dominant source, accounting for about 45% of the total. Coal contributes an additional 10%. Low-carbon sources provide the remaining 45% of Oklahoma's electricity, showcasing the state's commitment to cleaner energy options. Among these, wind energy is the most significant, contributing almost 42% of the electricity. Other clean sources, like hydropower and solar, make smaller contributions, with hydropower providing about 2% and solar just over 1%.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Oklahoma?
Despite being a period of high demand for innovation and advancement, electricity consumption growth in Oklahoma has seen a backward slide. The per capita electricity usage dropped from a previous record of 23,025 kWh in 2024 to 22,084 kWh in 2025. This decrease of nearly 1,000 kWh per person is concerning, especially considering the benefits that could be harnessed from increased electrification. However, the scenario isn't all negative. There has been a slight increase in per capita low-carbon electricity generation—a positive shift from the previous year. With 9,944 kWh per person in 2025 compared to 9,858 kWh per person in 2024, it reflects a growth in clean energy despite the overall decline in electricity consumption.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Oklahoma should focus on expanding its capacity in existing areas of strength and consider new avenues. Wind energy, already a significant contributor in the state, can be expanded further. Learning from states and countries like Denmark and Iowa, which have effective wind electricity shares of up to 60%, can provide valuable insights. Moreover, Oklahoma can adopt strategies from solar-rich regions like California and Nevada, where solar energy plays a significant role. Increasing nuclear capacity is equally vital; regions like France and Illinois show how substantial nuclear contributions can be achieved. Embracing a blend of wind, solar, and potentially nuclear energy could place Oklahoma at the forefront of the clean electricity movement.
History
Oklahoma's history of low-carbon electricity reflects a continuous, albeit modest, increase in recent years. The focus on wind energy is evident, with consecutive annual incremental increases; 1 TWh in 2024 and 0.1 TWh in 2025. Hydropower has also seen a gradual uptick, contributing an additional 0.1 TWh in 2024 and 0.2 TWh in 2025. These consistent gains affirm Oklahoma's potential to further harness clean, sustainable sources. The consistent rise, especially in the wind and hydro sectors, points to a promising journey, although more ambitious steps could amplify these advances significantly.
