As of 2025, New Jersey's electricity consumption reflects a nuanced balance between clean and fossil energy sources. Approximately 41% of the electricity is generated from low-carbon sources, which include substantial contributions from nuclear power and solar energy. Nuclear power accounts for a significant portion of this clean energy, providing around one-third of New Jersey's electricity. Solar energy also plays a role, although to a lesser extent, contributing nearly 7% when combined both from rooftop installations and utility-scale plants. Meanwhile, fossil fuels make up about 36% of the electricity mix, with natural gas being the primary contributor among them. The remaining electricity comes from net imports, making up almost 23% of the state's consumption; this indicates reliance on external supplies to meet energy demands.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Jersey?
Electricity consumption in New Jersey is on an upward trajectory. The latest per capita figures for electricity usage have climbed to 8814 kWh, a modest yet positive increase from the 8705 kWh recorded in 2024. This uptrend is mirrored in the production of low-carbon electricity, which has seen a slight advancement with 3588 kWh per person, just edging past the previous record set in 2023. These figures demonstrate a continued commitment to enhancing clean energy resources, underscoring the importance of steady growth to meet increasing energy demands and reducing environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To further boost the generation of low-carbon electricity, New Jersey should consider expanding its nuclear capabilities, given their already considerable contribution to the state's clean energy supply. This strategy aligns well with successful practices observed in countries like France, where nuclear power accounts for a striking 67% of electricity production, and states like New Hampshire and South Carolina, where nuclear energy plays a vital role. In addition, there is significant potential for solar energy expansion, similar to the notably effective integration seen in regions like California and Nevada, where solar makes up more than 30% of the energy mix. Adopting these strategies can fortify New Jersey’s renewable landscape, ensuring a robust and sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, the trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in New Jersey has been marked by fluctuations in its nuclear sector, particularly with a notable decrease of 0.7 TWh in 2024. However, this was counterbalanced by a positive upturn in nuclear generation in 2025 with a rise of 0.2 TWh, signaling resilience and potential for further expansion. Other low-carbon sources such as biofuels and hydro have remained relatively stable, exhibiting close to zero change over the past two years. Addressing declines and leveraging efficient energy strategies is crucial to maintaining the momentum toward a more sustainable and secure energy infrastructure that promotes economic growth and environmental stewardship.
