Electricity in Rhode Island in 2024/2025
The current state of electricity consumption in Rhode Island for the period from June 2024 to May 2025 shows a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with these sources accounting for more than four-fifths of the state's electricity generation—a staggering 88%, specifically from gas. Low-carbon or clean energy sources make up a little over a tenth of the total electricity generation. Among these low-carbon sources, solar power constitutes the largest portion, generating nearly 7% of the electricity. Wind energy and biofuels contribute almost 2% each, indicating a limited yet present investment in clean energy technologies. Additionally, net imports contribute just over 1%. This dependency on fossil fuels signals a clear need for a pivot toward cleaner energy to reduce the negative impacts of air pollution and climate change.
Is Electricity Growing in Rhode Island?
Considering whether electricity consumption in Rhode Island is growing, the latest data indicates a troubling trend of decline. In 2025, the total electricity consumption per person was approximately 8,764 kWh, which is 689 kWh less than the previous high in 2023. This suggests a significant decrease in electricity usage. However, it's important to note a positive development in low-carbon electricity generation, which has grown from its previous peak of 908 kWh per person in 2024 to 933 kWh per person in 2025—an increase of 25 kWh per person. Even though the overall consumption has decreased, the slight growth in clean energy use is encouraging, although it remains at a relatively low level compared to fossil energy usage.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Rhode Island can learn from other regions with successful clean energy initiatives. For instance, incorporating strategies from solar-rich regions like Greece, with solar accounting for 25%, and Nevada, with solar at 29%, could significantly enhance solar energy production in Rhode Island. Similarly, the use of nuclear energy has shown to be highly effective in states like Connecticut, where nuclear power accounts for 36% of electricity generation, suggesting that adopting nuclear energy could provide a stable, reliable source of low-carbon electricity. Building infrastructure to support these energy types will be crucial for Rhode Island to transition toward a more sustainable electricity future, while also helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Rhode Island's journey with low-carbon electricity generation has seen various trends over the years. In the mid-2000s, there was a slight positive change with biofuels in 2006 contributing 0.1 TWh, but this saw fluctuations with declines and stagnation through 2013. Notable progress began in the late 2010s, as wind energy made a small advancement in 2017, while solar power began showing consistent annual increments starting in 2020. Through the early 2020s, solar energy saw steady growth, peaking in 2024 with an addition of 0.2 TWh, suggesting a focused commitment towards expanding solar infrastructure. Despite some fluctuations with biofuels, other clean energy sources have seen uneven but positive growth, indicating promising steps toward a greener electricity sector. This historical perspective reinforces the need for continued investment in low-carbon sources, especially solar and nuclear, to ensure a sustainable energy future for the state.