In Massachusetts, over the past 12 months from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption has been heavily reliant on imports, which account for more than half of the total at roughly 59%. Fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, make up nearly a third of the consumption, with gas alone contributing approximately 32%. However, clean energy sources, encompassing low-carbon options like solar and biofuels, remain underutilized, totaling just about 7% of the electricity mix. Solar energy contributes a modest 4%, while biofuels add almost 2% to this mix, clearly indicating that there is a vast area for improvement in expanding low-carbon energy solutions in the state.

Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Massachusetts?

Electricity consumption in Massachusetts has seen a notable decline from its peak. In 2025, consumption per person stands at 7556 kWh, a significant drop of 1852 kWh from the record high of 9408 kWh in 2005. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has decreased, with the current level at 535 kWh per person, a 720 kWh reduction from the high mark reached in 2006. This downward trend is concerning, given the critical role of electricity in powering modern economies, including the transition to electric vehicles and growth in digital infrastructure, such as artificial intelligence.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Massachusetts should look to successful regions employing both nuclear and solar energy effectively. For example, neighboring New Hampshire produces 55% of its electricity from nuclear energy, illustrating strong regional nuclear expertise that Massachusetts could replicate. Similarly, states like Nevada achieve as much as 30% from solar power, showing the significant potential of solar energy. By leveraging these examples, Massachusetts can develop a robust strategy focused on expanding nuclear and solar infrastructure, ultimately reducing fossil fuel dependence and enhancing clean energy contributions.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Massachusetts has seen fluctuations, especially in nuclear power generation. In the early 2000s, there were frequent changes, such as a drop of 0.5 TWh in 2005 and an increase of 0.4 TWh in 2006 followed by significant expansions and contractions in the succeeding years. This inconsistency continued into the 2010s, with a notable decline of 2.3 TWh in 2019. New low-carbon initiatives in recent years, like the addition of solar, which increased by 0.3 TWh in 2022, suggest a promising albeit slow pivot towards clean energy sources. However, given these developments, Massachusetts clearly has more work to do to establish a stable and substantial low-carbon electricity base.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade