Over the period from September 2024 to August 2025, Wisconsin's electricity consumption was dominated by fossil fuels, with gas and coal together accounting for over 60% of the total. Gas stood at nearly 32%, while coal closely followed at about 31%. On the low-carbon side, nuclear energy provided more than half of the clean electricity, contributing approximately 13% of the total, emphasizing its vital role in sustainable energy production. Other low-carbon sources like solar, hydropower, and wind each contributed between 2% and 5%, demonstrating potential areas for growth to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Noteworthy is the presence of net imports, which constituted around 12% of the electricity mix, highlighting some dependency on external sources to meet local demand.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's total electricity consumption per person was 12,806 kWh in 2025, marking a decrease from the historical peak of 14,170 kWh/person in 2007. This change indicates a slight downturn in electricity consumption, which could be concerning considering the ongoing need to support economic growth and electrification. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity generation per person saw a reduction, with 2025 figures at 3,219 kWh compared to the previous high of 3,330 kWh witnessed in 2012. This decline underscores the urgency of amplifying clean electricity generation to align with both current and future energy demands and mitigate the harmful impacts of fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Wisconsin could focus on expanding its existing nuclear energy capabilities, as nuclear already significantly contributes to its clean electricity profile. Looking to regions like Illinois and New Hampshire, where nuclear energy constitutes more than half of low-carbon electricity, Wisconsin can take inspiration in ramping up nuclear power infrastructure. Additionally, adopting practices from states such as Iowa and South Dakota, which have successfully harnessed wind power for a substantial portion of their energy mix, can be beneficial. For solar energy, learning from states like Nevada and California, where solar power plays a significant role, could help Wisconsin further develop this clean energy avenue.
History
In evaluating the history of low-carbon electricity in Wisconsin, the pattern of nuclear energy generation has been varied over the years. In the mid-2000s, nuclear energy saw fluctuations, with both increases and decreases in output, including notable declines of 2 TWh in 2005 and 2.6 TWh in 2013. Conversely, there were periods of resurgence, like the significant rise of 2.7 TWh in 2012. Hydropower also experienced some fluctuations, growing by 0.7 TWh in 2010 but decreasing by 0.6 TWh in 2021. These observations highlight the necessity for stable and continuous investment in nuclear and other low-carbon energy technologies to ensure consistent growth and sustainability in electricity generation, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting the state’s energy needs.
