From July 2025 to June 2026, Massachusetts's electricity consumption painted a vivid picture of dependency and opportunity, with over half of its electricity—57% to be precise—being imported, which raises questions about energy independence and sustainability. Fossil fuels accounted for about 27% of the state's electricity, with natural gas contributing nearly all of this figure at 26% and a small amount coming from oil. On the cleaner side but with a smaller footprint, low-carbon energy sources made up only 14% of electricity consumption. Solar energy contributed a substantial portion to this, delivering more than 11% of the electricity, split between both rooftop (7%) and utility-scale (4%) solar. Wind and biofuels, however, trailed behind, contributing just around 1% each. There's an urgent need to shift this balance toward more sustainable, low-carbon energy to meet both environmental goals and future demand.

Is Electricity Growing in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts seems to be on a journey of modest growth in electricity consumption. In 2026, the state's total electricity consumption hit 8608 kWh per person, a slight increase from 2025's figure of 8511 kWh per person, representing a positive change of 97 kWh per person. It's heartening to see similar growth in the low-carbon sector. In 2026, low-carbon electricity reached 1230 kWh per person, an increase of 86 kWh from the previous year. This indicates that while overall electricity consumption is on the rise, the share of clean energy is also growing, albeit at a pace that must accelerate to address climate change and energy security.

Suggestions

To propel its low-carbon transition, Massachusetts should look to expand existing solar infrastructure, as solar is already a significant component of its low-carbon portfolio. Lessons can be drawn from regions with successful low-carbon strategies. For solar energy, states like Nevada, with 35% of its electricity coming from solar, and California, at 31%, offer templates for massive solar production. On the nuclear front, looking at neighboring states like New Hampshire, where 52% of electricity comes from nuclear, provides a nearby model for potential expansion. Additionally, from a global perspective, France and Slovakia lead the way with nearly two-thirds of their electricity obtained from nuclear, which reflects the potential for this reliable and low-carbon energy form to play a larger role in Massachusetts.

History

Historically, Massachusetts's low-carbon journey has been a series of ups and downs. While hydroelectric generation saw a slight decrease in 2024 and again in 2026, the wind sector managed to add 0.4 TWh in 2026 after a period of stagnation. Biofuels' contribution has remained static in recent years, with minor, negligible changes that illustrate its limited role compared to solar or wind. It's clear that a more aggressive approach is needed, particularly focusing on solar and nuclear, to drive significant changes in the energy landscape. The expansion and development of these sustainable energy sources are crucial in steering Massachusetts away from its current heavy reliance on imports and fossil fuels toward a future defined by clean, sustainable electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.