Over the past year, spanning from September 2024 to August 2025, Michigan's electricity consumption has been predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with close to two-thirds of its electricity coming from such sources. Specifically, gas and coal contribute to about 39% and 24%, respectively, while oil makes up the remaining 1%, signifying a heavy dependence on fossil sources. On the other hand, clean energy sources account for just over a third of the electricity consumed. Nuclear energy represents a significant portion of this green energy at approximately 23%. Wind power contributes around 8%, and solar energy, including utility and non-utility, adds up to about 2%. Biofuels account for a small percentage of the overall mix. This distribution underscores the pressing necessity for Michigan to diversify its energy portfolio further toward low-carbon technologies to alleviate dependence on fossil fuels and address both local air pollution and global climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Michigan?
Electricity consumption in Michigan has seen a slight increase over the last year. In 2025, electricity consumption reached 12,506 kWh per person, marking an increase of 224 kWh per person compared to the previous record in 2024. This indicates a growing trend that aligns with the increasing global demands for electricity due to the electrification of various sectors. However, while overall electricity consumption is on the rise, the consumption of low-carbon electricity has decreased. The latest low-carbon generation stands at 4,384 kWh per person, which is 162 kWh less than the peak recorded in 2021. This decrease is concerning, given the ongoing efforts to combat climate change and reduce environmental impact. It's crucial for Michigan to bolster its low-carbon energy generation to cater to its growing electricity needs while minimizing its carbon footprint.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Michigan could significantly benefit from expanding its existing nuclear infrastructure, considering its considerable contribution to the current energy mix. By looking at successful examples from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy supplies a substantial proportion of their electricity—70% and 66% respectively—Michigan can glean insights into maximizing nuclear generation. Similarly, Michigan could draw inspiration from states like Illinois and South Carolina, where nuclear energy represents over half of the electricity supply. For diversifying further, Michigan could look towards solar expansions, emulating states like Nevada, which generates 33% of its electricity from solar. By focusing on nuclear and solar expansions, Michigan can effectively meet its electricity demands with clean energy sources.
History
Historically, Michigan's low-carbon electricity generation has seen some fluctuation, particularly in nuclear power. After a substantial growth of 2.3 TWh in 2005, nuclear electricity experienced notable declines, such as a sharp drop of 9.6 TWh in 2009, which not only hindered progress but set back clean energy initiatives. However, there have been periods of recovery and growth, such as the increase of 7.8 TWh in 2010 and 4 TWh in 2021, highlighting the pivotal role nuclear energy plays in the state's energy landscape. Wind energy also saw a positive uptick, contributing an additional 1.7 TWh in 2013 and 1.5 TWh in 2024, indicating its growing presence. To achieve a stable and growing low-carbon electricity supply, Michigan should reinvest in and expand its nuclear capacity while supporting the growth of other low-carbon technologies like wind and solar.
