Over the past 12 months, spanning from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in Delaware has been heavily reliant on net imports, accounting for almost 60% of its total consumption. Fossil fuels, primarily gas, contribute to over a third of the state's electricity, with gas alone comprising approximately 32%. In stark contrast, low-carbon energy sources make up a meager portion, around 3.4%. Solar power, both behind-the-meter (BTM) and utility-scale, makes up most of this low-carbon category, yet their total contribution remains minimal. Notably, coal contributes just below 2.5% to the state's energy mix, illustrating a continued dependence on fossil fuels. This heavy reliance on imports and fossil fuels, coupled with a limited role for clean energy, highlights an urgent need for Delaware to prioritize low-carbon energy expansion.

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Is Electricity Growing in Delaware?

Electricity consumption per person in Delaware has experienced a noticeable decline when compared to historical figures. In 2025, the consumption was approximately 12,034 kWh per person, which marks a substantial decrease of nearly 4,000 kWh from the previous record in 2005. Despite this overall reduction, it's heartening to observe a small yet positive development in the realm of low-carbon energy production per person, which has increased by 14 kWh compared to the previous record set in 2023. While these figures reflect a slight improvement, they underscore the need for Delaware to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation significantly, especially given the urgent global challenges associated with fossil fuel reliance, such as climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Delaware can draw inspiration from regions successfully harnessing solar and nuclear energy. For instance, nearby states like New Jersey, where nuclear power contributes about 33% of electricity, or nuclear-heavy France and Slovakia, can serve as exemplary models. Additionally, Nevada stands out with solar power constituting a third of its electricity generation, similar to what California achieves. Delaware should consider policies that support the development of nuclear plants and solar facilities. Furthermore, examining wind powerhouse Iowa, where wind energy accounts for 60%, could uncover opportunities to harness wind energy where applicable. Through adopting such strategies, Delaware can transition towards a more sustainable and self-reliant electricity system, reducing its dependency on imports and fossil fuels.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Delaware, the growth story is disappointingly modest. During the late 2000s, biofuels made a small entry with minor contributions in 2008 but failed to become a significant player in subsequent years. The advent of solar energy in 2012 also did not lead to noteworthy increments in low-carbon electricity generation. Since the wind sector remained unchanged with no new electricity generation in 2025, it's evident that Delaware's clean energy history has been marked by missed opportunities and stagnation. These observations should encourage policymakers and stakeholders to reinvigorate their efforts towards ensuring a diversified and more environmentally friendly electricity mix, by focusing on expanding solar and nuclear energy in the years ahead.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade