As of 2025, Connecticut's electricity consumption primarily relies on fossil fuels, accounting for a little over half of the total. Gas is the dominant source within this category, making up nearly all of the fossil fuel consumption. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources, which include nuclear, solar, and biofuels, provide a significant portion of electricity at 44.55%. Nuclear is the leading low-carbon source, contributing almost 37% to the state's electricity consumption. Solar comes next, generating about 5.5% in total, with approximately two-thirds of this coming from behind-the-meter installations. Biofuels add a small amount to the low-carbon mix, contributing slightly over 1%. This balance highlights Connecticut's ongoing efforts to transition toward a cleaner electricity generation profile, though more work remains to fully capitalize on low-carbon options.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Connecticut?
Connecticut has experienced a slight decline in per capita electricity consumption, with the 2025 figure reaching 12,252 kWh per person, down 325 kWh from the previous year's record. Although overall consumption is slightly declining, it's encouraging that low-carbon electricity generation has experienced growth. The latest numbers show an increase of 87 kWh per person from the previous record, demonstrating the state's commitment to clean energy. However, this modest increase in low-carbon generation must accelerate to offset declines in overall consumption and support necessary electrification efforts across various sectors, including transportation and industry.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Connecticut should focus on expanding its existing nuclear capabilities. Nuclear energy already forms the backbone of its low-carbon strategy, and other regions provide inspirational benchmarks. For instance, neighboring New Hampshire has achieved a significant nuclear capacity of 55%, while Illinois reaches 50%. Emulating these successes is within reach for Connecticut. In addition, expanding solar capacity should be prioritized, drawing lessons from regions like California and Lebanon, where solar contributes over 30% of their electricity. By strategically enhancing nuclear and solar production, Connecticut can significantly bolster its clean energy portfolio while minimizing its reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Historically, Connecticut's low-carbon electricity has experienced fluctuations, largely driven by changes in nuclear output. In 2024, nuclear power saw a robust increase of 3.2 TWh, only to slightly decrease by 0.2 TWh in 2025. While solar and wind have not demonstrated significant growth during this time, the state's focus on nuclear has been pivotal. Hydro and biofuels have remained relatively stable, with no significant changes, indicating a consistent if limited contribution to the state's low-carbon efforts. Looking forward, Connecticut's energy future relies heavily on ramping up nuclear and solar investments to ensure a sustainable and robust electricity infrastructure. Efforts to expand these clean energy sources will be vital for achieving long-term environmental and economic goals.
