In 2025, electricity consumption in Michigan shows a strong reliance on fossil fuels with more than half of the electricity, about 66%, coming from these sources. Gas leads the fossil category, making up over 40% of the electricity mix, followed by coal at around 23%, with oil trailing at a little over 1%. In comparison, low-carbon or clean energy sources account for roughly 34% of electricity production. Nuclear power stands out as a significant contributor, generating approximately 21% of the total. Wind energy contributes close to 8%, while solar power, including utility solar, adds about 3%. Small contributions come from biofuels, contributing to the mix of low-carbon sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Michigan?
Electricity consumption in Michigan is witnessing growth, as shown by the increase in electricity usage to 12,669 kWh per person in 2025, marking an improvement of 387 kWh compared to the previous year. This signals a hopeful trend toward meeting future demands, possibly driven by increasing electrification and technological advancements. The generation of low-carbon electricity has also shown progress, with 4,315 kWh per person generated, reflecting an increase of 303 kWh over the previous record. This growth in clean electricity is crucial in counterbalancing the high fossil fuel use and advancing sustainable energy strategies.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Michigan can focus on expanding its existing nuclear infrastructure, given its substantial current contribution and potential for growth. Learning from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for over 65% of the electricity mix, could provide valuable insights. Furthermore, advancing solar energy, inspired by states like Nevada and countries such as Lebanon where solar contributes significantly, would be beneficial. Embracing these strategies will further align Michigan with global best practices and move it toward a sustainable and resilient energy future.
History
In the past few years, Michigan has seen fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity initiatives. Notably, in 2024, nuclear energy saw a decrease in generation by 1.7 TWh, which was offset by a promising increase in wind energy by 1.5 TWh. Hydro and biofuels experienced minor changes, with hydro decreasing slightly. Moving into 2025, nuclear power rebounded with an increase of 1.3 TWh, supported by modest growth in hydro, wind, and biofuels. This pattern highlights a dynamic period for Michigan's clean energy sector, underlining the importance of continued investment and policy support for low-carbon technologies.
