Electricity in Massachusetts in 2024
In 2024, Massachusetts's electricity consumption is characterized by a significant reliance on net imports, which account for more than half of its electricity needs at around 60%. Fossil fuels provide close to a third of its electricity, with gas making up nearly the entire portion of fossil fuel use at 30%. Low-carbon, or clean energy, sources are a much smaller fraction of the mix, with solar energy contributing about 4%, biofuels less than 2%, and hydropower approximately 1.5%. The state’s dependence on fossil fuels and electricity imports highlights an opportunity for increased self-reliance and environmental sustainability through clean electricity production.
Is Electricity Growing in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has seen a decline in its per-person electricity consumption, down to 7270 kWh in 2024 from a previous high of 9408 kWh in 2005, which means a drop of over 2000 kWh per person. This reduction is worrisome as it points to a stagnation or even regression in the state's electricity use, which is crucial for a modern, technology-driven economy. Also notable is the decline in low-carbon electricity production, now at 575 kWh per person, which has decreased by 680 kWh from its peak in 2006. These reductions are concerning, especially in light of the urgent need to transition to clean energy sources to mitigate climate change impacts.
Suggestions
Massachusetts can increase its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding both solar and nuclear power, inspired by successful examples from various regions. New Hampshire, for instance, derives 56% of its electricity from nuclear power, showing the potential of this clean energy source even in New England. Similarly, Lebanon's significant solar capacity at 31% suggests that solar power could play a more significant role in Massachusetts. Emulating Iowa and Denmark, known for their high proportions of wind and solar energy respectively, could also offer pathways to diversify the energy mix, although the less favorable wind conditions in Massachusetts mean solar and nuclear should be prioritized.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Massachusetts reveals significant fluctuations, especially in nuclear power. In the mid-2000s, nuclear power generation saw some variation, decreasing by 0.5 TWh in 2005, followed by increases and further decreases through the subsequent years. Despite some moments of increase, the overall trend, especially after 2013, was a decline, with significant reductions like 1.5 TWh in 2013 and 2.3 TWh in 2019. These declines underscore the need for renewed investment and commitment to expanding Massachusetts’s nuclear capacity. Additionally, modest gains like the 0.3 TWh increase from solar in 2022 suggest that more robust efforts are necessary to harness the potential of solar energy. By learning from these historical patterns, Massachusetts can aim to stabilize and increase its low-carbon electricity generation for a more sustainable future.