The electricity powering our lives comes from a diverse mix of sources. Knowing more about electricity sources by state can empower both residential and commercial consumers to make more savvy decisions regarding their energy bills.
Fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum) have historically been the workhorses of American electricity generation. They’re reliable, dispatchable (meaning they can be turned on or off relatively quickly to meet demand), and their infrastructure is well-established.
Overall, while renewable energy sources are growing in popularity, fossil fuels remain a crucial part of the energy mix, providing foundational power across many states.
Nuclear energy is the quiet giant of carbon-free electricity. It operates through splitting uranium atoms in a controlled chain reaction to generate immense heat. This heat boils water to produce steam, which then drives turbines. A single nuclear power plant can produce massive amounts of electricity continuously, with a very small physical footprint and no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
It is a highly concentrated, steady power source, offering a reliable baseline of electricity that doesn’t fluctuate with the weather. However, its high upfront costs, complex regulatory environment, and the challenge of nuclear waste disposal mean it’s not a universally adopted solution.
Renewable energy is the fastest-growing segment of our electricity supply, encompassing a variety of technologies that harness naturally replenishing resources, and include technologies such as:
- Solar panels, converting sunlight directly into electricity, are becoming ubiquitous, especially in sunny regions.
- Wind turbines, giant machines spinning across vast plains, capture kinetic energy from the wind.
- Hydroelectric dams, long a cornerstone of American power, use the force of flowing water to turn turbines.
- Geothermal energy taps into the Earth’s internal heat.
- Biomass burns organic materials.
These sources offer a pathway to a cleaner energy future, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. However, their intermittency (e.g., the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow) means they often need to be paired with other energy sources or advanced storage solutions to ensure a stable grid.
Other sources of electricity production can include niche technologies or industrial byproducts used for co-generation. For instance, some industrial facilities generate their own electricity from waste heat or specific processes.
*Information below from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Alabama relies heavily on natural gas, followed by nuclear and coal, with hydroelectric power also making a notable contribution from its rivers.
Given its vast oil and gas reserves, Alaska‘s electricity is predominantly generated from natural gas and petroleum. Hydroelectric power also plays a role in some areas.
Arizona is a solar powerhouse, leveraging its abundant sunshine. Natural gas is another major player, often complementing solar generation.
Natural gas is the leading source in Arkansas, with nuclear and coal also significant. Hydroelectric provides a smaller, yet steady, contribution.
California is a leader in renewable energy, with a diverse mix including solar, wind, and geothermal. Natural gas serves as a crucial balancing fuel for intermittency.
Natural gas and coal have been traditional mainstays in Colorado, but wind power is rapidly expanding and becoming a dominant force.
Connecticut relies heavily on nuclear power, providing a substantial base load, complemented by natural gas generation.
Natural gas is the primary electricity source for Delaware, with smaller contributions from renewables like solar and biomass.
Natural gas dominates Florida‘s electricity mix, followed by nuclear power. Solar energy is rapidly growing in the Sunshine State.
Georgia’s electricity is primarily generated from natural gas and nuclear power, with a notable contribution from coal.
Hawaii is unique, with a strong push towards renewable energy, particularly solar and petroleum. Geothermal and biomass also contribute.
Hydroelectric power is king in Idaho, harnessing its powerful rivers. Wind and natural gas provide supplementary generation.
Illinois is a national leader in nuclear power, which forms the backbone of its electricity. Coal and natural gas also contribute significantly.
Coal has historically powered Indiana, but natural gas is now a major competitor, with some renewable growth.
Iowa is a national leader in wind energy, often generating more than half of its electricity from wind. Coal and natural gas make up the remainder.
Like Iowa, Kansas boasts substantial wind power generation, making it a leading source. Natural gas and coal fill in the gaps.
Kentucky‘s electricity grid is heavily reliant on coal, given its rich coal reserves, though natural gas is growing in prominence.
Natural gas is the dominant source in Louisiana, leveraging its extensive natural gas infrastructure and resources.
Maine has a diverse mix, with biomass and hydroelectric playing significant roles, alongside natural gas and a growing wind presence.
Natural gas is the primary source in Maryland, with nuclear power providing a substantial base. Renewables like solar are increasing.
Massachusetts relies heavily on natural gas, with offshore wind and solar projects set to significantly increase its renewable portfolio.
Michigan‘s electricity comes primarily from nuclear, natural gas, and coal, with a growing presence of wind power.
Minnesota has a balanced mix of nuclear, wind, and natural gas, with wind energy steadily increasing its share.
Natural gas is the predominant source in Mississippi, followed by coal and nuclear power.
Missouri‘s electricity generation is largely from natural gas and coal, with wind power contributing a growing share.
Coal has been a major source in Montana, but hydroelectric power from its dams and growing wind farms also provide significant electricity.
Nebraska has a diverse portfolio with natural gas, nuclear, and a strong contribution from wind power.
Natural gas is a primary source for Nevada, complemented by significant solar and geothermal energy.
New Hampshire relies on natural gas and nuclear power for the majority of its electricity.
New Jersey’s electricity is primarily generated from natural gas and nuclear power, with a growing emphasis on offshore wind.
Natural gas and coal have been traditional sources, but New Mexico is rapidly expanding its solar and wind energy capacity.
New York has a diverse mix, with natural gas, nuclear, and hydroelectric power as major contributors. Solar and wind are growing.
North Carolina relies heavily on nuclear power and natural gas, with a significant amount of coal generation as well.
North Dakota is a leader in wind energy and also relies on coal-fired power plants.
Ohio‘s electricity generation is a mix of natural gas and coal, with a growing amount of wind and solar.
Oklahoma is a national leader in wind energy, often generating a substantial portion of its power from wind. Natural gas fills the remainder.
Hydroelectric power is the backbone of Oregon‘s electricity, with natural gas and wind also playing key roles.
Pennsylvania is a major producer of natural gas and nuclear power, which are its dominant electricity sources.
Rhode Island primarily uses natural gas for its electricity generation, with a growing interest in offshore wind.
South Carolina‘s electricity is heavily reliant on nuclear power and natural gas, with some coal generation.
South Dakota generates a significant portion of its electricity from wind power, complemented by hydroelectric and natural gas.
Tennessee’s electricity comes mainly from nuclear and natural gas, with a notable contribution from hydroelectric power.
Texas is an energy giant, leading the nation in both natural gas and wind power generation. Coal and nuclear energy also contribute.
Utah’s electricity is primarily generated from natural gas and coal, with a growing presence of solar power.
Vermont stands out for its strong reliance on hydroelectric power and biomass, with no nuclear or fossil fuel generation within its borders.
Natural gas and nuclear power are the main sources for Virginia, with some coal and a growing solar presence.
Washington is a national leader in hydroelectric power, with its vast network of dams. Other sources are minimal.
West Virginia is heavily reliant on coal for its electricity generation, given its abundant coal resources.
Wisconsin has a mix of natural gas, nuclear, and coal, with wind power seeing increased development.
Wyoming is a major coal producer and uses coal for the majority of its electricity, with growing wind power.
In terms of total energy production (including crude oil, natural gas, coal, and renewables), Texas is consistently a leader, driven by its massive oil and gas industry. Other major players include Pennsylvania (natural gas), Wyoming (coal), and North Dakota (oil).
In terms of electricity generation from utility-scale plants, states with significant natural gas production, large nuclear fleets, or extensive renewable resources tend to lead. Texas again often leads due to its extensive wind and natural gas generation. Other high-electricity-generating states include Florida, California, Pennsylvania, and Illinois.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the vast majority of US electricity comes from fossil fuels.
Washington State gets over 70% of its electricity from hydropower, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
According to the EIA, Texas is the US state that produces the most electricity.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), major public health and environmental impacts of electricity generation (especially from the burning of fossil fuel sources) include:
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- Other toxic emissions, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and mercury
- Acid rain
- Increased incidence of cancer
- Water pollution
Adopting carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can help power plants reduce their carbon emissions and lessen their negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Many experts consider nuclear power to be a cleaner source of energy.
Texas is the US state that produces the most renewable energy total.
States that rely heavily on renewable energy sources for electricity generation include Vermont, South Dakota, and Washington.
From the wind-swept plains of the Midwest to the sun-drenched deserts of the Southwest to the nuclear strongholds of the East, our nation’s power grid is a testament to both innovation and adaptation. Knowing more about each electricity source by state can help everyday Americans make more educated decisions regarding their energy bills.
Disclaimers: Information and percentages are correct at the time of writing.