From July 2025 through June 2026, low-carbon sources supplied about 60% of South Carolina’s electricity consumption, while fossil fuels supplied about 40%. Nuclear dominated the mix, providing just over half of all electricity, followed by solar at about 4%, hydropower at nearly 2%, and biofuels at roughly 1.5%. Utility-scale solar accounted for most solar electricity, contributing about 3.5% of the total. Among fossil fuels, gas supplied about 23% and coal about 17%, leaving substantial room for clean electricity to replace generation associated with climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in South Carolina?

The latest figures do not show growth in electricity consumption per person. In 2026, consumption was about 18,500 kWh per person, roughly 386 kWh—or 2%—below the previous record set in 2025. Low-carbon electricity generation reached about 11,100 kWh per person, around 535 kWh—or 5%—below its 2023 record. These setbacks are concerning as electrification and AI increase the need for abundant clean electricity. However, per-person figures alone do not establish whether total statewide electricity consumption or generation increased or decreased.

Suggestions

South Carolina can build on its strong nuclear foundation by expanding generation at existing nuclear facilities and pursuing additional nuclear capacity, alongside a substantial expansion of utility-scale and rooftop solar. France and Slovakia demonstrate how nuclear can supply roughly two-thirds of electricity, compared with South Carolina’s just-over-half share. For solar, the US states of Nevada and California offer useful examples, generating about 35% and 31% of their electricity from sunlight, respectively. Their experience can inform solar deployment, grid investment, and storage, with approaches adapted to South Carolina’s conditions. Together, expanded nuclear and solar generation would strengthen the state’s clean electricity supply and help meet growing demand.

History

Across the reported years, South Carolina’s low-carbon electricity history was marked by swings in nuclear generation. In 2024, nuclear output fell by 1.9 TWh, while hydropower and biofuels added a combined 0.5 TWh. Nuclear then rebounded by 2.9 TWh in 2025, alongside a small hydropower increase, while biofuels declined by 0.3 TWh. In 2026, nuclear generation fell by 2.9 TWh, reversing the previous year’s gain, and hydropower declined by another 0.3 TWh, while biofuels were unchanged. This reversal is a disappointing setback for clean electricity growth and underscores the importance of sustaining and expanding South Carolina’s nuclear output while accelerating solar development.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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