Over the past 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, New York's electricity consumption has shown a somewhat balanced mix between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. With more than half of the electricity being generated from clean sources, low-carbon electricity accounts for approximately 44%, while fossil fuels make up around 39%. Diving deeper, the bulk of low-carbon electricity comes from nuclear, constituting 17%, closely followed by hydropower at about 16%. Solar energy, including both behind-the-meter (BTM) systems and utility-scale installations, contributes almost 9%, with wind energy adding a small but essential 4%. Net imports supplement the grid, accounting for almost 16%. This diverse mix indicates a significant reliance on nuclear and hydropower, with an encouraging presence of solar power.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New York?
In terms of growth, New York's electricity consumption has seen a decrease. The recent figure of 8175 kWh/person for 2025 falls short of the 2005 peak at 8747 kWh/person, representing a decline of 572 kWh/person. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity production is also on a downward trajectory; at 3608 kWh/person, it lags behind the previous high of 4313 kWh/person recorded in 2019 by 706 kWh/person. These changes suggest that despite the potential for growth, New York is currently witnessing a reduction in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption, which could be a cause for concern as the state aims for sustainable energy transition.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity output, New York could consider expanding its nuclear capacity. Given its current significant share in the state's low-carbon energy mix, building on this robust foundation could accelerate progress. International examples, such as France with 70% nuclear energy, demonstrate the potential lead from nuclear in achieving low-carbon goals. Additionally, states like New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, achieving around 30-54% of their power from nuclear, exemplify how key expansions can bolster the low-carbon share. On the solar front, following California's lead where solar generates 29% of electricity, New York could substantially boost its solar capacity. By investing in and harnessing these successful strategies from other regions, New York can aim towards a substantial increase in clean energy production.
History
Historically, New York's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced various shifts, particularly in nuclear energy. During the mid-2000s, there was stable growth; however, the 2010s saw more frequent declines. Notably, 2020 marked a significant drop of 6.4 TWh in nuclear power production, followed by another substantial fall of 7.3 TWh in 2021, leading to an overall worrying trend. Such reductions emphasize the importance of revitalizing and modernizing infrastructure to stabilize and grow nuclear capacity. The hydroelectric sector has faced its fluctuations too, with both sizable gains and losses, suggesting a need for strategic management. Collectively, these trends reflect a pressing need for New York to recommit to expanding its low-carbon capacity to counter past declines and support sustainable growth.
