Net electricity interstate trade, by state, 2023

Understanding Net Interstate Trade of Electricity:

Net Interstate Trade measures how much electricity a state either receives from or sends to other states. A negative value means the state is a net importer—it brought in more electricity than it produced—while a positive value indicates net exports to other states.

Electricity Flows in the Southeast:

In 2023, electricity trade patterns varied widely across the Southeast. In 2023, Georgia was one of the nation’s top five electricity importers, with a net inflow of 24.6 million megawatthours (MWh). Neighboring Alabama was the region’s largest exporter — and the second-largest nationally — sending out 44.9 million MWh. Tennessee also ranked high among importers, bringing in 28.4 million MWh and placing fourth nationwide. Virginia led all states in net imports, receiving 50.1 million MWh from across state lines.

North Carolina and Florida were also net importers, with 14.8 million MWh and 7.4 million MWh brought in, respectively. In contrast, South Carolina exported 13.4 million MWh of electricity, while Mississippi moved 20.3 million MWh out of state. This blend of imports and exports underscores the strategic importance of regional coordination and grid reliability in the Southeast.