Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in Maine has been defined by a notable dependence on low-carbon energy sources, which comprised more than half of the electricity supply. Low-carbon energy sources such as wind, hydropower, and solar, alongside biofuels, made up around 58% of the electricity generation. Close to a fifth of this clean energy came from wind power, with hydropower contributing almost another fifth. Solar energy accounted for almost a tenth, and the rest was derived from biofuels. In contrast, fossil energy, primarily gas, contributed close to 40% of the electricity. While the greener shift is promising, this reliance on gas indicates that there is still substantial work to be done to further increase the proportion of clean electricity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Maine?
Maine's overall electricity consumption has seen a significant decline from its record high in 2004. Currently, the state's electricity use stands at 10,180 kWh/person, a stark drop of over 4,300 kWh/person compared to the historical peak of nearly 14,540 kWh/person. This decline is mirrored in low-carbon electricity generation, which currently is at 5,920 kWh/person, down by 480 kWh/person from its peak in 2008. The trend indicates that Maine is not experiencing growth in electricity consumption, which is troubling in the context of a global push towards electrification as a means to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and combat climate change. Revitalizing and expanding the consumption and generation of clean electricity is crucial.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Maine, the state should invest in expanding its wind energy capacity, as it is already a substantial component of their electricity mix. In addition, following the example of regions excelling in specific energy types could be beneficial. For instance, taking cues from Iowa and South Dakota, with wind energy making up approximately 60% and 57% of their electricity, respectively, could guide Maine’s efforts. Additionally, regions with significant solar contributions, such as Lebanon at 31% and Nevada at 30%, could serve as models for solar expansion. Incorporating nuclear energy into the energy mix, as successfully done by neighboring New Hampshire with 55% nuclear electricity, could further enhance Maine's clean energy profile. As shown globally, coupling wind and solar energy expansions with nuclear energy can create a robust and diversified low-carbon electricity infrastructure.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Maine reveals a series of fluctuations in clean energy sources over the years. In the mid-2000s, hydropower and biofuels saw some positive developments, such as a 0.7 TWh increase in hydro and a 0.5 TWh increase in biofuels in 2005. However, these increases were often offset by subsequent declines in following years, such as the significant -0.5 TWh in hydro in 2007 and consistent declines in biofuel contributions. The 2010s witnessed growth in wind generation, particularly with an increase of 0.7 TWh in 2017, while solar began its emergence in 2024 with steady increases continuing into 2025. Despite the ups and downs, Maine's trend towards increasing its low-carbon electricity generation remains a vital part of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and moving towards a more sustainable future. This highlights the need for more consistent investment and policy support to ensure continuous growth in clean energy.
