Over the past year, from June 2024 to May 2025, New York's electricity consumption was comprised of close to equal parts low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon electricity accounted for just over half of the total, with a notable contribution from nuclear power, which provided more than a fifth of all the electricity. Hydropower was nearly as significant as nuclear, contributing around a fifth as well. Wind and solar energies, while valuable, made smaller contributions, accounting for just over 5% and 3%, respectively, of the total electricity generated, with biofuels playing a marginal role. Fossil fuels, primarily from gas, still made up slightly less than half of New York's electricity consumption, highlighting an ongoing reliance on these polluting energy sources.
Is Electricity Growing in New York?
Despite this diversity in sources, overall electricity consumption in New York has shown a downward trend. The 2025 average per capita electricity consumption was 6,702 kWh, meaning it has decreased by nearly 1,000 kWh from its peak in 2005. This trend is even evident in the low-carbon electricity sector, which has dropped about 850 kWh per person since its height in 2019. This decline is concerning at a time when the demand for electricity, driven by technological advancements and electrification needs in areas such as AI and transportation, is expected to rise. The reduction in clean electricity is particularly troubling, as New York must pivot towards low-carbon sources to meet future demands and combat the negative impacts of fossil fuels, including climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, New York can focus on expanding nuclear power, given its existing substantial contribution and reliability. Looking to successful precedents, New York might draw inspiration from France and New Hampshire, where nuclear energy comprises significant portions of electricity generation at around 69% and 55%, respectively. Similarly, expanding solar energy could be advantageous; lessons can be drawn from places like Lebanon, where solar accounted for 31% of electricity generation, and Nevada with 29%. By adopting these strategies, New York can significantly boost its low-carbon electricity supply, positioning itself as a leader in clean energy transformation.
History
Historically, New York's journey through low-carbon electricity has seen notable fluctuations, particularly in hydro and nuclear power. In the mid-2000s, both hydro and nuclear energies contributed positively to the electricity grid, with increments in 2005 and 2006. However, this was counterbalanced by downturns, especially significant decreases in nuclear power seen in the early 2010s and especially in recent years, with a worrying series of declines from 2020 to 2022. Such fluctuations in nuclear electricity generation are not mere numbers but represent missed opportunities in sustainable energy leadership. Encouragingly, there were positive expansions, like the significant hydroelectric increase in 2017. Nonetheless, for New York to secure a stable and future-proof electricity supply, it must ensure consistent growth in its low-carbon sector, particularly nuclear, where its past investments have already laid promising groundwork.