In Michigan, from April 2025 to March 2026, electricity consumption has been characterized by a predominant reliance on fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity generated coming from these sources. Gas consumption alone accounts for a significant portion, representing nearly 43% of the total. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources contribute to slightly over a third of electricity production in Michigan. Nuclear energy, as an integral part of the clean energy mix, contributes a substantial portion of this at around 21%. Wind energy accounts for almost 8%, followed by solar power, which provides close to 3% when including utility-scale solar. Biofuels and oil are lesser-used energy sources, making up small percentages in comparison.

Is Electricity Growing in Michigan?

Despite the importance of electricity, Michigan has experienced a slight decline in electricity consumption per capita. The most recent data for 2026 shows electricity consumption at approximately 12,548 kWh per person, a decrease from the previous record year of 2025, which stood at about 12,669 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a small reduction, contributing 4,300 kWh per person in 2026 compared to the 2025 record of 4,315 kWh per person. These declines indicate a stagnation in the growth of electricity consumption, particularly in clean energy generation, which should raise concerns given the increasing demand for electricity driven by technological advancement and electrification.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Michigan can look towards expanding its existing nuclear facilities, tapping into nuclear's potential to produce large, stable amounts of green electricity. Learning from successful regions, Michigan could benefit from Denmark and Iowa's strategies in wind energy, where over 55% of electricity comes from this source. Meanwhile, France and Slovakia serve as great examples of regions heavily invested in nuclear energy, with 67% and 65% of their electricity generated from nuclear power, respectively. Moreover, solar energy remains a promising avenue; regions like Nevada and California have achieved notable penetration rates for solar electricity, suggesting that Michigan can significantly amplify its solar capacity to contribute to a more sustainable energy portfolio.

History

In recent years, Michigan's history of low-carbon electricity generation has displayed various shifts. In 2024, nuclear generation experienced a significant setback with a decrease of 1.7 TWh. However, wind energy saw a robust increase of 1.5 TWh that year, followed by a smaller, yet notable, increase in 2025. Unfortunately, 2026 witnessed a contraction in both wind and nuclear generation, with each falling by 0.3 TWh, indicating a regression in these sectors. Biofuels also fluctuated without sufficient growth to offset reductions in nuclear and wind. Such declines, particularly in nuclear energy, should be critically addressed as they threaten the progress towards a more sustainable and cleaner electricity system. Michigan should continue to focus on strategic investments in low-carbon electricity to prevent future setbacks and maintain steady growth in clean energy contributions.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.