Over the last 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, Michigan's electricity consumption has shown a notable reliance on fossil fuels. More than half of the state's electricity comes from fossil sources, with gas leading at about 39% and coal contributing nearly 24%. In stark contrast, clean or low-carbon sources account for a little over a third of electricity production, around 35%. Nuclear energy is the backbone of Michigan's clean electricity, providing almost 23% of the total. Wind power and solar energy contribute about 8% and 2%, respectively, to the state's electricity mix, demonstrating the potential for growth in these sectors. The negligible share of oil, at just over 1%, reflects a shift away from this fossil fuel.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Michigan?
Electricity consumption in Michigan is showing a promising upward trend. The latest figure, at 12,506 kWh per person, marks an increase compared to the previous record set in 2024, highlighting a growing demand for electricity in the state. However, despite the overall increase in electricity usage, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen a decline from its peak in 2021. The most recent data shows a generation of 4,384 kWh per person, which is 162 kWh/person less than the peak achieved four years ago. This stagnation in low-carbon electricity generation is a matter of concern as it indicates that clean energy is not growing in pace with the overall increase in electricity demand.
Suggestions
To fortify its low-carbon electricity generation, Michigan could significantly benefit from expanding its nuclear capabilities, given its existing robust contribution to the state's clean energy portfolio. Comparing learnings from other regions, Michigan could look to France, where nuclear plants generate a staggering 70% of their electricity, or closer to home, Illinois, and South Carolina, where nuclear power contributes more than half of their electricity supply. For boosting wind and solar contributions, Iowa and Denmark serve as exemplary models with their excellent harnessing of wind energy. These regions have maximized the potential of both solar and wind, and Michigan could derive valuable insights to overcome current challenges, thereby paving the way for a sustainable future not only for electricity consumption but also for reduced emissions and better air quality.
History
Looking back on Michigan's low-carbon electricity journey, there have been significant fluctuations in the contribution of nuclear energy. After considerable gains in 2005 and 2010, with increases of 2.3 TWh and 7.8 TWh respectively, there were troubling declines in years like 2006, 2009, and 2022, where generation fell by as much as 9.6 TWh. Despite these setbacks, there were years, such as 2021 and 2025, that witnessed gains, reflecting the state's potential to revitalize its nuclear sector. Wind energy saw a commendable increase in 2013 and again in 2024 with an addition of 1.5 TWh, highlighting the potential for further diversification in clean energy. However, with the current scenario showing sporadic growth patterns, Michigan must build a resilient strategy to ensure continuous growth in low-carbon electricity, focusing particularly on expanding nuclear and solar capacities to meet future energy demands efficiently.
