In the period from July 2025 to June 2026, New Jersey's electricity landscape is predominantly shaped by a diverse energy mix. The state leans significantly on low-carbon sources with more than 40% of its electricity coming from such sources, reflecting a commendable commitment to clean energy. Almost a third of the electricity is contributed by nuclear power, underscoring its major role in the state's energy strategy. In contrast, fossil fuels, comprising mostly of gas, power around 36% of New Jersey's grid, which is quite sizable but still less than the low-carbon contributions. Meanwhile, solar energy, both from behind-the-meter installations and utility-scale projects, collectively bring in over 7% of the total electricity, showcasing growing deployment and investment in this sustainable resource. However, New Jersey still relies significantly on net imports, which account for roughly 23% of its electricity, highlighting a dependence on external energy sources.

Is Electricity Growing in New Jersey?

Examining the growth of electricity consumption in New Jersey indicates a positive trend. In 2026, per capita electricity consumption reached 8,966 kWh, breaking the previous year's record of 8,814 kWh per person—an increase that reflects both population growth and higher electricity usage. On the clean energy front, low-carbon electricity generation per person also saw an increase from 3,588 kWh in 2025 to 3,650 kWh in 2026. This noticeable improvement suggests that while traditional energy sources still play a substantial role, New Jersey is also prioritizing an expansion in low-carbon electricity generation, marking a steady, encouraging shift towards cleaner energy solutions.

Suggestions

To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, New Jersey should continue expanding its nuclear capacity, given its significant contribution to the clean energy mix. Additionally, solar energy has immense potential for growth, and the state can look to regions such as Nevada, where solar forms 35% of the electricity mix, as a model for scaling up solar infrastructure. Furthermore, drawing inspiration from states like Illinois and South Carolina, which derive a striking majority of their electricity from nuclear sources, New Jersey could consider bolstering its nuclear power plants to enhance its clean energy footprint. By leveraging examples from other successful regions, New Jersey can enhance its sustainable electricity generation capacity, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and net imports and moving towards a greener and more self-sufficient energy future.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in New Jersey, recent years have seen measured growth and minor fluctuations. In the mid-2020s, nuclear energy displayed both a decline and growth, with a noticeable reduction of 0.7 TWh in 2024, followed by small incremental increases of 0.2 TWh in both 2025 and 2026. These modest gains in nuclear power, while positive, indicate the need for more robust efforts to augment nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, biofuels and wind energy have had little to no significant output change, demonstrating a plateau in these areas. As of the last few years, hydroelectric power also remained stable with no substantial gains. With consistent attention to expanding nuclear and solar energy infrastructures, New Jersey can reinforce its commitment to clean electricity, overcoming past hurdles and setting a course for a more sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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