Minnesota's electricity consumption from July 2025 to June 2026 reveals a predominant use of low-carbon energy, generating almost half of its electricity. This clean energy mix is comprised mainly of wind and nuclear power, contributing about a fifth and nearly another fifth, respectively, to the electricity supply. Solar energy, including utility solar, adds over 5%, with biofuels and hydropower making small contributions of just over 1% each. Fossil fuels constitute around a third of the electricity mix, with coal and gas having nearly equal shares, each contributing a little over a sixth, while net imports account for about 16%. This showcases a commendable effort toward low-carbon energy sources, though there is still a considerable reliance on fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Minnesota?

Examining whether electricity consumption is growing in Minnesota shows a positive trend. The most recent data indicates that per capita electricity usage is slightly up, at 12,586 kWh per person, compared to 12,499 kWh per person in 2025. This increase of 87 kWh per person suggests a growing demand for electricity. Even more encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw an increase, with an additional 112 kWh per person, setting a new record at 6,036 kWh per person. This growth trend in both total and low-carbon electricity underscores the state's advancing commitment to sustainable energy and the important challenge of meeting burgeoning demand, revolutionized by electrification and AI applications.

Suggestions

To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Minnesota can focus on expanding its existing nuclear and wind infrastructure. By looking to other regions successful in these areas, Minnesota can learn valuable lessons. For instance, France and Slovakia generate more than half of their electricity from nuclear power, setting a formidable example of how nuclear can form the backbone of a sustainable electricity grid. Similarly, neighboring Iowa and South Dakota generate over half of their electricity from wind. With Minnesota's existing strengths in these areas, ramping up nuclear and wind generation would push it towards a more sustainable and resilient electricity supply, complementing potential advancements in solar energy, an area where states like California and Nevada have shown significant potential with their high solar contributions.

History

Reviewing Minnesota's history of low-carbon electricity generation highlights steady advancements and some variability over recent years. In 2024, wind and hydro power saw small increases, while nuclear dipped slightly. The following year marked significant growth, with nuclear and wind both increasing sharply. This upward momentum continued into 2026, with nuclear and hydro both experiencing gains, though wind saw a minor decrease. Overall, these changes exemplify Minnesota's ongoing efforts in expanding its clean energy capabilities, with room for substantial further growth particularly in consistently scaling up wind and nuclear infrastructure to maintain a robust, low-carbon energy portfolio.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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