In Tennessee, over the last twelve months, from April 2025 to March 2026, electricity consumption has shown a diverse energy mix, with low-carbon sources accounting for more than a third of the electricity. Nuclear energy makes up a significant portion of this, contributing nearly 29% to the overall electrical grid. Hydropower and solar energy add more modestly to this cleaner mix with about 6% and just over 1% respectively. In contrast, fossil fuels, namely coal and gas, supply just over 30% of the state's electricity. This shows a promising commitment to low-carbon energies, yet fossil fuels still play a considerable role. Meanwhile, net imports deliver about one-third of Tennessee's electricity needs, reflecting a reliance on external sources which could be reduced by expanding local low-carbon energy production.

Is Electricity Growing in Tennessee?

Discussing growth, electricity consumption per person in Tennessee reached 16,064 kWh in 2026, which is a slight increase compared to 2025’s record of 15,996 kWh. This indicates a small but important step forward, emphasizing growth in electricity usage. However, the situation is less positive in terms of low-carbon generation, which has decreased compared to 2023’s peak, down by 612 kWh per person. This downturn is concerning as it could hamper efforts to transition to a more sustainable energy system. The reduced low-carbon output could be the result of insufficient investment or delays in project implementations, underlining the need for robust policies to ramp up clean electricity capacities.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Tennessee should focus on expanding existing nuclear infrastructure due to its proven high-efficiency and substantial electricity output. Tennessee can draw lessons from places like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for over 65% of their electricity, showcasing the benefits of investing in nuclear technology. Additionally, exploring increased solar energy coverage, much like California and Nevada, where solar contributes significantly to the electricity mix, can complement nuclear growth. These states exemplify how an expansion in solar and nuclear technology can make substantial contributions to the clean energy grid, lessening dependence on fossil fuels and reducing carbon emissions.

History

Historically, Tennessee has seen fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation. In the mid-2020s, nuclear energy witnessed a decline, with decreases of 5.8 TWh in 2024 and 2.9 TWh in 2025. These were challenging years, likely reflecting setbacks or decommissioning activities. However, 2026 marked a positive shift with a notable 4.6 TWh increase in nuclear output, signaling recovery and potential focus on revitalizing this sector. Meanwhile, hydropower showed small variations, with minor growth in 2024 followed by a slight decline in 2025 and 2026. These trends highlight a need for a steadfast commitment to maintaining and increasing low-carbon energy sources like nuclear and solar to ensure a sustainable and reliable energy future for Tennessee.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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