Over the past 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in New York has demonstrated a near-even split between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. More than half of the electricity, about 51%, comes from low-carbon sources. Nuclear power stands as the most significant contributor within this category, providing roughly 21% of the total electricity, while hydropower follows closely with almost 19.5%. Wind, solar, and biofuels collectively account for almost 10% of the electricity consumption in the state, with wind contributing slightly over 5%, solar about 3.5%, and biofuels nearly 1%. In contrast, fossil fuels still play a prominent role, offering approximately 49% of the electricity, with gas being the primary fossil energy type at 48%, emphasizing the need for a shift towards cleaner energy.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New York?
The trend in New York's electricity consumption raises concerns about the stagnation in clean energy development. In 2025, electricity consumption was recorded at 6623 kWh per person, which marks a significant decline from the earlier records in 2005, where it peaked at 7677 kWh per person. This change represents a reduction of 1055 kWh per person. Similarly, the generation of low-carbon electricity has also decreased; the current count is 3357 kWh per person compared to the previous high of 4218 kWh per person in 2019, a decline of 862 kWh. This decline signals a lack of growth in clean electricity, which is vital for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change.
Suggestions
New York can bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing nuclear energy infrastructure. States such as New Hampshire and South Carolina effectively utilize nuclear power for a substantial fraction of their electricity, achieving 55% and 52% respectively. New York could learn valuable lessons from these states by investing in new technology or upgrading existing facilities. Alongside nuclear, there is a golden opportunity to expand solar energy, with examples from Lebanon and Nevada achieving 31% and 30% solar electricity, respectively, indicating the feasibility of becoming a leader in solar energy generation. By adopting these strategies and learning from successful regions, New York can significantly enhance its clean electricity production, leading to both environmental and economic benefits.
History
Looking at the historical data, the trend of low-carbon electricity generation in New York has experienced fluctuations, particularly in its nuclear and hydropower contributions. In the mid-2000s, both nuclear and hydroelectric power saw positive growth, with notable increases in 2005 and 2006. However, the following years saw inconsistent changes, with 2010 marking a decline in both nuclear and hydropower output. These fluctuations continued, with sharp declines in nuclear power between 2020 and 2022. Despite this, the occasional boosts, such as nuclear increases in 2013 and 2019, demonstrate the potential for growth. A focused investment strategy in nuclear and other low-carbon energy sources can reverse the recent declines, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future in New York.
