In the period from April 2025 to March 2026, New Jersey showed a varied pattern of electricity consumption. Low-carbon energy sources constituted roughly 40% of the electricity mix, showcasing significant reliance on cleaner forms of energy. This group includes nuclear power at nearly 33% and solar energy contributing a combined total of just over 7% from both behind-the-meter and utility solar generation. Fossil fuels, primarily gas, accounted for about 37%, demonstrating that New Jersey still relies heavily on traditional energy sources. However, this is nearly matched by low-carbon sources, indicating a positive shift towards greener energy. Net imports, which can be a mix of both clean and fossil, made up about 22% of the electricity consumed, a significant portion reflecting New Jersey's dependency on external sources to meet its energy needs.

Is Electricity Growing in New Jersey?

Electricity consumption in New Jersey has experienced a slight increase recently. The state's per capita electricity consumption rose to 8,908 kWh in 2026, representing a subtle growth above its 2025 record of 8,814 kWh by 95 kWh per person. Despite this growth in overall consumption, low-carbon electricity generation has marginally decreased. The latest low-carbon output accounts for 3,569 kWh per person, a minor drop from the previous year's record of 3,588 kWh by 19 kWh. This slight decline signals a hurdle in the expansion of low-carbon electricity, a trend that poses concerns for achieving future sustainability goals amidst rising demand for electricity.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity output, New Jersey should consider scaling up its nuclear capabilities given its substantial existing contribution. Looking at global examples, New Jersey can learn from nuclear leaders like France, where nuclear supplies a remarkable 67% of electricity, and Slovakia at 65%. Additionally, enhancing solar capability can mirror successful partakers such as Nevada at 34% and California at 31%. Implementing lessons from these regions could drive a substantial increase in clean electricity output, reducing dependency on fossil energy and imported electricity and moving toward a more self-sufficient and sustainable energy future.

History

New Jersey's history with low-carbon electricity reflects some fluctuation, especially in the nuclear sector. In 2024, nuclear generation decreased by 0.7 TWh, a concerning decline for a cornerstone of the state's low-carbon strategy. Fortunately, a rebound was noted in 2025 with a positive change of 0.2 TWh. However, this recovery was short-lived as 2026 saw a reduction of 0.3 TWh in nuclear output once again. Although biofuels and wind showed little change, and hydro decreased slightly in 2024, focusing on bolstering nuclear and solar forms of energy will ensure New Jersey's continued leadership in low-carbon electricity generation, aligning with global and state-level environmental goals.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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