As of 2025, Maine's electricity consumption is considerably home-friendly, with more than half of it being generated from low-carbon sources. Specifically, clean energies like solar, wind, hydropower, and biofuels make up around 63% of total consumption. Within this category, solar power is notable, contributing almost a third of the total low-carbon energy, with nearly equal parts coming from utility-scale solar and solar behind the meter (BTM). Wind and hydropower also play significant roles, each providing nearly 18% and 16% of the clean energy mix, respectively. Meanwhile, fossil fuels account for about 36%, with natural gas making up the majority. Oil contributes close to none at just over 1%. This clean energy dominance is a promising sign for a greener future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Maine?
Maine is experiencing growth in electricity consumption overall, with the latest figure for 2025 reaching more than 11400 kWh per person, up by 252 kWh from the previous year. This uptrend is not just in quantity but also the quality of the energy being consumed, as evidenced by an increase in low-carbon electricity generation. From the previous year to 2025, low-carbon electricity per person expanded its lead substantially, improving by 817 kWh. Such growth indicates a positive shift towards sustainable energy sources, which is crucial in meeting the increasing demands of electrification and sustaining the environmental and economic health of the state.
Suggestions
For Maine to amplify its sustainable energy capabilities, it should deploy even more wind and solar power, both of which are already making significant contributions. Wind power can draw inspiration from Denmark or Iowa, where wind energy constitutes more than 50% of their electricity. As for solar, insights can be gained from places like Nevada and California, where solar energy plays a substantial role in the electricity mix with shares exceeding 30%. Moreover, introducing nuclear energy into Maine's portfolio could further bolster its clean energy standing, following the examples of New Hampshire and similar regions where nuclear energy successfully supports the grid. These strategies would aid Maine in continuing its path toward a robust, low-carbon electricity future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Maine has seen notable shifts, especially in the recent past. In the year 2024, hydroelectric power faced a slight decline, while wind and biofuels saw small gains. By 2025, this trend continued with consistent increases in wind energy output. However, hydroelectricity saw another small decline, while biofuels ticked upward. These fluctuations underscore the adaptive nature of Maine's energy landscape as it navigates the balance between expanding low-carbon sources and maintaining existing ones. Overall, the historical progression points towards a steady drive to enhance cleaner energy sources, with emphasis particularly on wind, and to a lesser extent, biofuels. An even-handed approach, prioritizing expansion in wind, solar, and potentially nuclear energy, could guide Maine in its mission for a sustainable and resilient electricity future.
