In the period from September 2024 to August 2025, Maine has made significant strides in utilizing low-carbon electricity sources, making up about 62% of its electricity consumption. This clean energy is primarily composed of wind, solar, and hydropower, each contributing nearly a third of this low-carbon mix. Wind energy alone accounts for about 17%, closely followed by solar at around 17% and hydropower contributing a similar share. Biofuels also contribute a meaningful portion although less than the other clean sources. Meanwhile, fossil energy sources account for nearly 37% of Maine’s electricity consumption, with natural gas being almost the sole contributor within this category, forming approximately 36%. This mix highlights Maine's commendable shift towards clean energy, which reduces reliance on fossil fuels and aids in mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Maine?
Despite this positive trend in adopting low-carbon energy sources, overall electricity consumption in Maine has experienced a decrease over the years. The recent data shows an average consumption of 11,084 kWh per person, marking a substantial decline of roughly 3,500 kWh per person compared to the historical peak in 2004. On the brighter side, Maine's achievement in low-carbon electricity consumption is noteworthy. The state's latest low-carbon electricity consumption reached approximately 6,824 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record set in 2008 by about 424 kWh per person. This growth in low-carbon electricity usage is encouraging, but the decline in overall electricity consumption indicates a need for growth strategies to meet future demand effectively, especially with the increasing electrification and expansion of technologies such as AI.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation further, Maine can focus on expanding existing wind and solar power installations. These sectors are already significant contributors to Maine's clean energy landscape and have potential for growth. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy could serve as another option for Maine, taking cues from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes more than two-thirds of electricity generation. Within the U.S., Maine can look to states such as New Hampshire and South Carolina, where significant portions of electricity are nuclear-generated. Moreover, states like Iowa and Kansas have substantial wind energy output that Maine could emulate. Embracing this diverse mix of clean technologies will fortify Maine's approach to increased sustainable electricity generation, offering a roadmap toward more robust and resilient energy infrastructure.
History
Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Maine reveals a steady transformation over the years. In the early 2000s, hydropower and biofuels saw alternating periods of growth and decline. For instance, 2005 marked positive growth in hydropower and biofuels. Moving towards the mid-2010s, wind energy began to gain traction, seeing notable increases in 2016 and 2017. However, biofuels experienced a slight downturn during this time. Recent developments have shown a strong push towards solar energy, with incremental gains from 2022 onwards shaping its growing role in Maine's energy mix. Meanwhile, fluctuations in hydropower continue, with a sizable drop in 2024, contrasting gains in recent years. This evolution highlights Maine's ongoing commitment to clean electricity, indicating a promising, albeit fluctuating, path toward more sustainable energy solutions.
