In the year from September 2024 to August 2025, Connecticut's electricity consumption mainly relied on fossil energy, with gas making up the vast majority. More than half of the state’s electricity, approximately 57%, was generated from fossil fuels, with gas accounting for almost the entire fossil share. Low-carbon energy sources contributed to a significant portion, around 42%, of Connecticut’s electricity generation. Nuclear energy comprised more than one-third of the total electricity consumption, making it a critical component of Connecticut's clean electricity generation. Solar energy provided a small but valuable share, exceeding 5% of Connecticut's electricity, divided between behind-the-meter installations at nearly 4% and utility-scale installations at about 1.5%. Biofuels made up slightly more than 1% of the electricity mix. These figures indicate that while Connecticut has a strong foundation in nuclear power, there is considerable room to increase the contribution from other low-carbon sources, notably solar and possibly wind in the future, to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels further.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Connecticut?
Despite the positive gains in clean energy, overall electricity consumption is experiencing a worrying decline in Connecticut, contradicting the widespread need and push for growth in low-carbon energy. In 2025, the per-person electricity consumption dropped to 12,225 kWh, a decrease of 351 kWh per person since its peak in 2024. A similar trend is observed in low-carbon electricity generation, also showing a decline from its highest point in 2021, with a reduction to 5,152 kWh per person, a drop of 281 kWh. This stagnation is concerning in the face of increasing energy demands for electrification and the rise of AI technologies. It emphasizes the urgent need to bolster electricity generation, particularly from low-carbon sources, to not only meet current needs but also to pave the way for a clean energy future.
Suggestions
For Connecticut to significantly increase its low-carbon electricity generation, expansion of existing nuclear capabilities is pivotal, as nuclear power already constitutes a large share of the state’s clean energy and is a reliable, large-scale green energy solution. Learning from regions with successful clean energy strategies can be beneficial. For example, states like Nevada and countries like Chile exhibit high solar electricity generation percentages at 33% and 24%, respectively, showing the potential success of solar development. Moreover, considering the robust nuclear framework found in countries like France, where 70% of its electricity is nuclear, Connecticut can similarly expand its nuclear infrastructure. Simultaneously, adopting effective strategies from regions like Iowa, known for its impressive 60% electricity generation from wind, presents another supplementary avenue for Connecticut’s clean energy aspirations. By drawing on these global examples, Connecticut can secure a more sustainable and clean electricity future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Connecticut reveals some fluctuations in nuclear energy production, which is concerning given the importance of its sustained growth. In the mid-2000s, nuclear power experienced slight declines, with a particularly sharp reduction in 2005, followed by improvements in subsequent years such as 2006 and 2009. However, the years following 2010 saw repeated setbacks, including a notable drop in 2014 and more recently in 2023, with a reduction of 2.8 TWh. These declines highlight inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement in nuclear energy output and asset utilization. Nevertheless, Connecticut showed resilience with a significant increase in nuclear generation in 2024, a trend that the state must continue to build on. By concentrating efforts on enhancing nuclear capacity and stability, Connecticut can ensure a sustainable, clean energy future that tolerates fewer disruptions and meets growing electricity demands.
