In 2025, electricity consumption in Tennessee is characterized by a diverse energy mix, with a notable portion of it being imported. More than a third of the electricity used in Tennessee, approximately 36%, comes from net imports, which signifies a reliance on external sources. Low-carbon energy forms a significant chunk of the state's energy landscape, contributing roughly 33% to the state's overall electricity usage. This category includes nuclear power, which alone accounts for about 25% of the electricity, hydropower at nearly 7%, and solar energy just over 1%. On the fossil energy side, approximately 31% of electricity is generated from fossil fuels, consisting of coal and gas nearly equally split at around 15% each. The fact that low-carbon sources are almost on par with fossil fuels highlights an ongoing shift toward cleaner electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tennessee?
The growth of electricity demand in Tennessee is evident, with per capita consumption reaching nearly 16,000 kWh in 2025, a noticeable increase from the previous year. This surge adds 647 kWh compared to the 2024 record, indicating a positive trend in electricity use. However, while total electricity usage has increased, low-carbon electricity generation per person has decreased by 1,218 kWh from its peak in 2023 when it was 6,565 kWh per person. This decline in clean energy generation is concerning and suggests a need for strategic interventions to revitalize the low-carbon sector and meet the rising energy demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To enhance the share of low-carbon electricity, Tennessee could capitalize on its existing nuclear capacity by expanding its nuclear facilities, thereby leveraging an energy source that is already a significant contributor to its electricity mix. Meanwhile, Tennessee could draw inspiration from regions like France and South Carolina that have successfully integrated large shares of nuclear energy, which provides more than 50% of their electricity. Furthermore, the state could look to Nevada and California for lessons on expanding solar energy prospects, translating their success into growing solar capacity within Tennessee. Such strategies could substantially boost clean electricity production, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.
History
In recent years, Tennessee has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity production. In 2024 and 2025, the state faced notable declines in nuclear energy production, with reductions of 5.8 TWh and 2.9 TWh, respectively. This trend is troubling, given the importance of nuclear power in maintaining a substantial clean energy infrastructure. Hydropower, although facing a slight decrease of 0.5 TWh in 2025, generally maintains stability with a minor increase noted in 2024. Wind energy remains stagnant with no changes recorded in either year. The pattern indicates a pressing need for strategic investments and policy adjustments to ensure robust growth in low-carbon electricity generation in Tennessee, critical for combating climate change and meeting future energy needs efficiently.
