From September 2024 to August 2025, South Carolina's electricity consumption has shown a promising inclination towards low-carbon sources, with more than half of the state's electricity being generated from these cleaner options. Nuclear energy has made a significant contribution, accounting for over 53% of the total electricity supply, marking it as the dominant low-carbon energy source. Fossil fuels continue to be prominent, making up nearly 40% of electricity generation, with natural gas and coal contributing approximately 22% and 18%, respectively. Solar energy, inclusive of utility-scale solar, contributes nearly 4%, while hydropower generates a modest amount, slightly above 2%. Although biofuels are a part of the low-carbon mix, their share is relatively small. The state's focus on low-carbon electricity generation is commendable, yet there is room for further improvement to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in South Carolina?
Despite the substantial presence of low-carbon sources, electricity consumption in South Carolina has not yet returned to its historic levels. In 2025, the average annual electricity consumption per person has decreased to around 18,700 kWh, which is a considerable reduction from the 24,000 kWh per person seen in 2005. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person, though significant, has also seen a decline since its peak in 2005. While current figures stand at nearly 11,300 kWh per person, this still falls short by approximately 2,000 kWh compared to the 2005 highs. This decline raises concerns regarding the ability to meet future electricity demands, particularly as electrification continues to expand across various sectors and with the increased energy needs driven by technological advancements.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity output, South Carolina can benefit from expanding its existing nuclear facilities, capitalizing on their already substantial contribution. Learning from other regions can also prove valuable. For example, states like Nevada have excelled in solar power generation, with solar contributing around a third of their electricity, offering insights into how South Carolina might similarly augment its solar capacity. Moreover, countries like Slovakia show leadership in nuclear power, with about 66% of their electricity coming from this source. South Carolina can emulate such successful models to enhance both solar and nuclear contributions, thereby increasing its clean electricity generation and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The necessity to propagate these low-carbon technologies is underscored by the pressing need to address climate change and promote a sustainable energy future.
History
Throughout its history, South Carolina's nuclear and hydropower sectors have experienced fluctuations. In the mid-2000s, nuclear energy saw both significant increments and notable declines, with substantial growth again in the early 2010s. This was reinforced by contributions from hydropower, particularly in 2009 and 2013. However, later years highlighted a pattern of setbacks with reductions noted in nuclear generation, which is concerning given the critical role that nuclear energy plays in providing low-carbon electricity. The recent uptick in nuclear output by 1.5 TWh in 2025 is encouraging, suggesting potential for continued growth if supported by targeted investments and policy decisions. Igniting a steadfast momentum in these sectors is essential for a greener, more sustainable electricity landscape in South Carolina.
