Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, New Jersey's electricity mix has shown a balanced blend of low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Nearly 40% of the state's electricity comes from low-carbon sources, with nuclear power leading this group at about 36% and solar contributing a modest 2%. In contrast, fossil fuels, predominantly gas, account for another 37% of the electricity mix. Moreover, the state relies on electricity imports to meet more than a fifth of its electricity needs, indicating a significant dependence on external sources to balance its supply. While there is a robust presence of low-carbon energy in the mix, improvements and expansions are necessary to reduce reliance on fossil fuels further and net imports.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Jersey?
Although New Jersey's electricity consumption is substantial, recent trends reflect a worrying decline rather than growth. Currently, New Jerseyans consume approximately 8044 kWh per person, a decrease of 1920 kWh compared to the record high in 2005. This decline is paralleled in low-carbon electricity, with generation at 3160 kWh per person, which is 880 kWh below the previous record set in 2017. This downward trend is concerning, especially when there is an urgent need globally to electrify more sectors to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, New Jersey can focus on expanding its existing nuclear facilities, considering how significantly they already contribute to the energy mix. Learning from France, where nuclear constitutes over two-thirds of its electricity supply, New Jersey could aggressively pursue similar strategies to enhance its clean energy portfolio. Additionally, as solar energy is comparatively underutilized, New Jersey can take cues from places like Nevada, where solar provides 30% of the electricity, to expand its solar output sustainably. Implementing these strategies could significantly increase New Jersey's low-carbon footprint, providing a cleaner and more self-reliant energy future.
History
In examining the history of low-carbon electricity development in New Jersey, particularly nuclear growth, there is a pattern of fluctuations. The early 2000s witnessed a steady increase in nuclear generation, with substantial growth in 2005 and 2009. However, from 2010 onwards, there were a few setbacks, marked by declines in nuclear output, particularly in 2016 and 2019. Despite these inconsistencies, nuclear has remained a critical part of New Jersey's low-carbon energy mix. Notably, solar energy began to make small contributions in 2012 and, after a few years of stagnation, saw a slight uptick again in 2025. These historical insights underscore the essential need for consistent policy and investment to sustain clean energy growth and transition away from fluctuating fossil fuel dependency.
