In the period from June 2024 to May 2025, Michigan's electricity consumption reveals a strong reliance on fossil fuels. With fossil energy comprising about 66% of the total electricity mix, gas plays a significant role at around 40%, followed by coal at just under a quarter of the total. Low-carbon electricity, although almost a third of the energy mix at 34%, primarily consists of nuclear energy, accounting for 22% of the total consumption. Wind energy follows, contributing roughly 8%, while solar and biofuels make up smaller portions at about 2% each. Oil contributes a mere 1% to the fossil component, thus emphasizing the state's heavy dependence on less sustainable energy sources and underlining the considerable room for growth in clean energy production.
Is Electricity Growing in Michigan?
The growth of electricity consumption in Michigan is evident, with the latest figures reaching 12,616 kWh per person in 2025, marking an increase from the previous record of 12,299 kWh per person in 2024. This increase of 317 kWh per person is a positive sign of growing electricity demand, likely driven by advancements in technology and an increasingly electrified economy. However, the latest low-carbon electricity generation, at 4,287 kWh per person, has declined by 239 kWh per person from its peak in 2021. This downturn in low-carbon electricity is concerning, as it indicates that despite the overall growth in consumption, the shift toward greener electricity sources has not maintained the same trajectory.
Suggestions
Michigan has significant potential to further increase its low-carbon electricity generation. Expanding nuclear capacity could be a highly effective strategy, given its already substantial contribution to the current energy mix. Lessons can be drawn from countries and states with successful low-carbon implementations, such as France, where nuclear power comprises 69% of their electricity generation, and Illinois, with a 52% share. Additionally, enhancing solar energy production could benefit from insights provided by states like California, which generates 20% of its electricity from solar. By investing in both nuclear and solar initiatives, Michigan could significantly reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and move toward a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure.
History
Historically, Michigan's low-carbon electricity landscape has witnessed fluctuations, especially with nuclear energy. Notably, in the mid to late 2000s, years like 2005 and 2007 saw considerable increases in nuclear generation, followed by a sharp decline in 2009, reflecting inconsistencies in generation strategies. The decade of the 2010s continued to depict a mixed picture, with both gains, such as in 2010 and 2011, and losses, like those in 2012 and 2015. More recent activities indicate a modest rebound, with 2023 seeing an upturn despite challenges in 2022. Wind energy, albeit smaller, has grown positively, particularly with recent gains in 2024 and 2025. These historical patterns suggest strong potential for low-carbon energy development, provided consistent and forward-looking policy support focuses on nuclear and solar expansions.