Currently, Oklahoma's electricity consumption relies heavily on fossil fuels, with more than half of its electricity being generated from these sources. Specifically, gas contributes about 47% and coal around 9%. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources account for nearly 44% of the state's electricity mix, with wind power being the primary contributor at 41% and hydropower making up close to 2%. This period spans from September 2024 to August 2025, highlighting a significant reliance on wind within Oklahoma's low-carbon electricity sector. However, the state's dependence on fossil fuels remains a concern as they are linked with higher emissions contributing to climate change and air pollution. Transitioning more towards clean energy could mitigate these negative impacts.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Oklahoma?
When considering the growth of electricity in Oklahoma, the data suggests a concerning trend. Total electricity consumption per person has decreased by nearly 1,000 kWh since 2024, suggesting stagnation in growth. The drop from a historic record to the latest figure in 2025 highlights this negative trend. Moreover, Oklahoma's low-carbon electricity generation per person has similarly decreased. It has experienced a reduction of close to 200 kWh per person from its peak in 2022. Such declines in both total electricity and low-carbon consumption are worrying, particularly as expanding clean energy generation is crucial for both meeting growing demand and reducing environmental impact.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Oklahoma should consider expanding its wind energy capacity, given its already substantial role in the state's electricity mix. Additionally, Oklahoma can learn from regions like Iowa, where wind accounts for 60% of electricity generation, showcasing the potential to significantly increase its impact. Considering the broader regional perspective, there is also merit in exploring nuclear energy's potential, as evidenced by states like Illinois and South Carolina where nuclear holds more than half of their electricity portfolios. Furthermore, successful solar expansions in states like Nevada and California suggest that solar energy can also play a key role in Oklahoma's clean energy future. Combining these insights, a diversified strategy of expanding both wind and exploring nuclear and solar technologies could greatly enhance Oklahoma's clean electricity generation capacity.
History
In terms of historical trends, the last couple of decades have seen Oklahoma making substantial strides in clean energy, particularly in wind power. This growth is evident with significant increases in wind electricity generation starting in 2010 and peaking in recent years, with periods like 2016 and 2022 showcasing notable expansions. Hydropower, although less volatile, has seen fluctuations as well, with some years experiencing decline. Overall, the ongoing investment in wind energy has been a bright spot in Oklahoma's transition to low-carbon energy, painting a hopeful trajectory for future development as long as growth continues and accelerates.
