As of 2025, New Jersey's electricity consumption reflects a significant commitment to low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the state's electricity, around 41%, comes from low-carbon sources like nuclear and solar energy, illustrating a commendable focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly a third of the state's electricity mix is supported by nuclear power alone, signifying its crucial role in providing clean energy. Solar power, although growing, currently accounts for about 7%, with utility and behind-the-meter solar contributing almost evenly. Despite these efforts, fossil fuels still represent about 36% of the electricity mix, highlighting a need for continued transition to cleaner energy. Additionally, net imports make up approximately 23% of the electricity supply, indicating reliance on external contributions to meet demand.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Jersey?
When examining electricity consumption trends, there is a noticeable increase in New Jersey's per-person usage. In 2025, the average electricity consumption per individual is 8814 kWh, surpassing the previous year's record by a notable margin of over 100 kWh per person. This growth reflects a rising demand for electricity, possibly driven by increased electrification and technological advances such as AI. Low-carbon electricity generation per person also saw an increment, achieving a record 3588 kWh, with nuclear and solar contributing significantly to this increase. These advancements suggest a positive trajectory in low-carbon generation, yet emphasize the urgency for further expansion to adequately support growing electricity needs.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, New Jersey should focus on expanding its robust nuclear sector, as seen in states like Illinois, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, where nuclear power contributes around or over 50% of electricity. Furthermore, leveraging solar energy can offer significant clean energy potential, learning from successful regions like Nevada and California, where solar contributes more substantially to their energy mixes. By adopting best practices from these places, New Jersey can reduce its dependency on fossil fuels and imports. This strategic enhancement of nuclear and solar infrastructure is pivotal in achieving a cleaner, self-sufficient electricity system.
History
Throughout recent years, New Jersey's history of low-carbon electricity generation demonstrates fluctuations, notably in nuclear energy. The state experienced a dip in nuclear generation by 0.7 TWh in 2024, yet saw a recovery with a 0.2 TWh increase in 2025. Such variations reflect the challenges and progress in maintaining stable nuclear energy output. The absence of growth in other low-carbon technologies like wind and hydro suggests areas for potential development. Critically, the past trends underscore the importance of strengthening nuclear capabilities and expanding solar infrastructure to secure New Jersey's future as a leader in sustainable electricity generation.
