In 2025, electricity consumption in Delaware presents a diverse mix, with net imports accounting for more than half of the state's electricity. Electricity from fossil fuels still constitutes a significant portion, making up close to 40% of total consumption, with natural gas alone accounting for more than a third. Low-carbon electricity generation, despite its critical role in addressing climate change and reducing air pollution, remains marginal, collectively contributing to less than 4% of the state's total electricity, with solar at a little over 3%. Coal, surprisingly, still plays a role, even if it is minor at almost 2%. The data highlights an urgent need to bolster green energy options to reduce Delaware's reliance on imports and fossil fuels.

Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Delaware?

Regarding electricity growth in Delaware, data indicates a concerning trend of stagnation, if not slight decline. As of 2025, the state's electricity consumption per person is about 12,101 kWh, which is a decrease of 127 kWh from the previous year, suggesting a slight downturn in usage. Conversely, Delaware has seen minor improvements in its low-carbon electricity consumption per person, rising to 420 kWh from the previous high of 400 kWh in 2023, signaling a welcome, albeit small, increase. While the growth of clean electricity is positive, these advances are insufficient when weighed against the backdrop of declining overall electricity consumption. In light of the increasing demand for electrification and AI developments, intensifying efforts to expand electricity generation should be a priority.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Delaware can learn from successful regions that have excelled in solar and nuclear power. For solar energy development, states like Nevada, California, and Arizona have notably high percentages of solar generation—around 30% or more—serving as inspiration for solar expansion. On the nuclear front, states closer to Delaware, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, generate approximately 30% from nuclear, illustrating that a robust nuclear infrastructure can significantly contribute to a sustainable energy future. By adopting best practices from these regions, Delaware can effectively increase its clean electricity share, benefiting both the environment and its economy.

History

Historically, Delaware's low-carbon electricity landscape has remained relatively stagnant. The data from 2024 and 2025 show no growth in either biofuel or wind-generated electricity, reflecting a lack of momentum in adopting these forms of energy. This consistency, or rather lack of progression, indicates missed opportunities in developing clean energy infrastructure. Given the critical need for a transition towards clean electricity to combat climate challenges and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, this stagnation should be a call to action for Delaware. Embracing technologies like nuclear and solar, which have shown success in other regions, could redefine Delaware's energy trajectory in the coming decades.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade