As of the most recent 12-month period from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in the United States predominantly relies on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity, around 57%, being generated from these sources. Natural gas is the largest contributor, accounting for close to 40% of the electricity mix. Meanwhile, coal provides about 16% of electricity. On the positive side, clean energy sources represent a significant portion of electricity generation, comprising over 42% of the total. Nuclear energy is the largest low-carbon source, supplying around 17% of the electricity, while wind and solar collectively contribute about 18% to the overall mix, with hydropower adding nearly 6%. These figures reflect a commendable commitment to low-carbon electricity, though there's ample room for improvement.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in United States?
In terms of growth, electricity consumption per person in the United States has decreased since its peak in 2005, with the latest data indicating 13,020 kWh per person compared to the high of 14,606 kWh per person. This reduction of about 1,585 kWh per person highlights a concerning stagnation in overall electricity growth, which could hinder progress in electrification and the adoption of AI technologies. However, there is a silver lining; low-carbon electricity generation per person has reached new heights. In 2025, it was 5,538 kWh per person, an increase of 193 kWh from the previous record set just a year earlier. This upward trend in green energy generation is promising, though it urgently needs to accelerate to meet future demands.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, the United States can focus on expanding existing nuclear and wind infrastructure, as these are significant contributors to the country's clean energy mix. Learning from regions with outstanding achievements in low-carbon strategies can also provide valuable insights. For instance, France and Slovakia illustrate the potential of nuclear energy, generating over 65% of their electricity from this source. Similarly, leaning into the wind power success seen in Iowa and Denmark, both of which generate around 60% of their electricity from wind, could guide the U.S. in achieving similar results. Encouraging solar expansion is equally important, drawing inspiration from places like Nevada and California, where solar contributes around a third and 29%, respectively, to their electricity mix. By integrating these successful strategies, the United States can significantly amplify its commitment to low-carbon electricity.
History
Throughout its history, the United States has made strides in low-carbon electricity, especially in the areas of nuclear and hydropower. In the late 20th century, substantial growth was noted in nuclear energy, with significant increases in 1975, 1977, 1988, 1989, and ongoing through the 1990s. However, nuclear energy faced challenges, indicated by declines in 1997 and 2020, an issue that the U.S. must resolve with renewed investments in this stable energy source. Hydropower has witnessed fluctuations, including notable declines in 1977, 1987, and 2012, but also experienced periods of growth, especially in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Recently, wind power has shown remarkable progress, as highlighted by a significant increase in 2022. By capitalizing on these historical insights, the United States can more effectively drive the expansion of its low-carbon electricity generation, ensuring a sustainable future.
