In the 12-month period from September 2024 to August 2025, Tennessee’s electricity consumption shows interesting trends in energy sources. Net imports account for more than a third of the state's energy mix, highlighting reliance on external sources. Fossil fuels like coal and gas together contribute nearly a third, with coal slightly edging out gas. On a positive note, low-carbon sources make up a bit more than 31%, with nuclear power being the prominent contributor at almost 23%. The presence of hydropower and solar, though not dominating, complements this clean energy mix, accounting for just over 7% and 1%, respectively. It's clear that while Tennessee is making strides in low-carbon energy generation, there is ample room for improvement, particularly in solar energy, which remains quite modest.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tennessee?
When examining electricity growth, it seems Tennessee is experiencing a regression rather than growth. The state’s total electricity consumption currently stands at approximately 15,756 kWh per person, which is significantly lower than its peak of 19,330 kWh per person in 2005. This indicates a retreat of about 3,575 kWh per person. Furthermore, the low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased from a previous high of 7,306 kWh per person in 2020 to just 4,931 kWh per person, a reduction of 2,374 kWh per person. This downturn suggests the need for urgent concerted efforts to invigorate electricity development and shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To address Tennessee's low-carbon electricity deficit, expanding its existing nuclear energy facilities could be a pivotal step given that they already account for a sizable portion of low-carbon generation. Observing successes from other states and countries can also guide Tennessee forward. For instance, states like South Carolina and nations like France have elevated their low-carbon electricity generation, with nuclear energy contributing more than 50% of their electricity. Meanwhile, states like Nevada and California have made significant advancements in solar production. Tennessee could greatly benefit from these examples by expanding its nuclear infrastructure and harnessing its solar potential, lighting the way to a more sustainable and clean future.
History
Delving into the historical shifts in Tennessee's low-carbon electricity over recent decades reveals a challenging journey with significant fluctuations in nuclear and hydropower output. Since 2006, nuclear power has seen several notable declines, particularly in 2024 and 2025 with decreases of 5.8 TWh and 6.1 TWh respectively. The state did see bursts of progress, particularly marked by increases in nuclear output in years like 2016 and 2018. Hydropower had its moments of growth, such as in 2009 and 2013, but these were often met with setbacks shortly after. The inconsistent trajectory reflects a critical need for steadfast investment and expansion in clean energy sources to ensure stability and to mitigate reliance on less sustainable sources moving forward.
