Over the 12-month period from June 2024 to May 2025, Maine's electricity consumption reveals a promising inclination towards low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the electricity consumed, precisely 66%, comes from clean energy sources like hydropower, wind, biofuels, and solar. Specifically, hydropower contributes a significant 26%, while wind accounts for about 20%. Solar and biofuels also play substantial roles, supplying 9% and 11% respectively. In contrast, fossil fuel sources, driven predominantly by gas at 31%, only encompass nearly a third of Maine's energy mix. This balance between low-carbon and fossil energy marks a critical stride in the shift towards more sustainable electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Maine?
Despite this impressive reliance on clean energy, Maine's overall electricity consumption has seen a decline over the years. In 2025, the electricity consumption stood at approximately 9797 kWh per person, a noticeable drop from the 2004 high of 14538 kWh per person—reflecting a reduction of around 4741 kWh per person. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation experienced a slight decrease from its 2024 record, with a decline of 46 kWh per person. This reduction in both total and low-carbon electricity consumption suggests either a stabilization in consumption patterns or possibly insufficient growth to meet future demand, particularly in light of increasing electrification trends and technological advances.
Suggestions
To boost its low-carbon electricity generation, Maine should prioritize expanding its existing wind energy resources, which are already a substantial part of its clean energy portfolio. Incorporating lessons from regions with successful low-carbon initiatives could be advantageous. Denmark and Iowa, generating an exceptional 57% and 62% of their electricity from wind, respectively, provide valuable insights for Maine's wind energy potential. At the same time, the state can look towards France, which derives 69% of its electricity from nuclear, as an exemplar of integrating nuclear power into its energy mix. By leveraging these learnings, Maine could further diversify its electricity sources and increase its capacity for generating low-carbon electricity, particularly through the deployment of reliable solar and nuclear technologies.
History
Historically, Maine has unlocked significant potential in low-carbon electricity, particularly from hydropower and wind. In the 2000s, hydropower generation in Maine saw both growth and decline, with notable increases in 2005 and 2008 but facing setbacks in 2007 and later years. The mid-2010s ushered in advancements for wind energy, with 2016 and 2017 marking considerable gains. While biofuel production experienced a setback with reductions in 2014 and 2019, the expansion of solar in 2024 added a vital component to Maine's clean energy landscape. These historical trends underscore the importance of sustained investment in diverse low-carbon energy infrastructures, highlighting opportunities to enhance clean energy generation in Maine as it navigates future energy challenges.