Over the last year, from July 2025 to June 2026, electricity consumption in Michigan was largely driven by fossil fuels, with more than half of the electricity—65.3%—coming from fossil sources. Natural gas represented a significant portion within this category at 45.15%, and coal contributed just less than a fifth of the total electricity generation. Low-carbon energy sources accounted for almost a third of Michigan's electricity at 34.64%, with nuclear energy representing the largest share within this group, making up just over a fifth of the total electricity consumption. Wind and solar energy contributed 7.85% and 3.42%, respectively, with utility-scale solar comprising nearly all the solar share at 3.06%, and biofuels provided a small portion at 1.67%.

Is Electricity Growing in Michigan?

Despite the importance of electricity for both daily life and economic growth, Michigan's overall electricity consumption has decreased. In the latest year, the total electricity consumption was 12,390 kWh per person, down from the previous high of 12,669 kWh per person in 2025. This marks a decrease of 279 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation saw a slight decrease, with the latest figure at 4,292 kWh per person, compared to the 2025 record of 4,315 kWh per person. This drop is minor but concerning, highlighting a backward step in the state’s progress toward a cleaner energy future. The slow or declining growth in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation is a cause for concern, particularly in a time when we aim to decarbonize the grid and electrify more economic sectors, including transport and heating.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Michigan could expand existing nuclear capacity, given its substantial current contribution and potential for scalability. Learning from successful regions, Michigan might consider enhancements in solar and wind energy as well. For example, Nevada and California have both achieved solar energy contributions of around 31% and 35%, respectively, indicating that higher solar capacity is achievable. Similarly, states like Iowa and South Dakota have utilized wind power to meet more than 50% of their electricity needs. Furthermore, Michigan could emulate Illinois and several European countries like France and Slovakia, which have robust nuclear sectors, generating between 49% to 67% of their electricity through nuclear energy. An aggressive policy focus on doubling down on both nuclear and solar advancements can provide the balance Michigan needs for a sustainable and cleaner electricity future.

History

Historically, Michigan's progress in low-carbon electricity generation has seen ups and downs. In 2024, nuclear generation saw a worrying decline of 1.7 TWh—a substantial dip that was partially offset by growth in wind, which increased by 1.5 TWh. Meanwhile, hydroelectric saw a minor decline of 0.3 TWh, and biofuels decreased slightly by 0.1 TWh. The following year in 2025, nuclear rebounded with an increase of 1.3 TWh, supported by moderate boosts in hydro, wind, and biofuels at 0.3 TWh, 0.3 TWh, and 0.2 TWh, respectively. Unfortunately, in 2026, there was another decline in nuclear output by 1.1 TWh, compounded by a small decrease in wind generation of 0.3 TWh, although hydro managed a marginal increase of 0.3 TWh. These fluctuations underscore the need for Michigan to stabilize and expand its low-carbon infrastructure to ensure consistent progress and to meet future electricity demands.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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