Over the past 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, Rhode Island has experienced a scenario where fossil fuels dominate its electricity consumption. More than four-fifths, approximately 86%, of the state's electricity is generated from fossil fuels, heavily reliant on gas. In contrast, low-carbon or clean sources make up nearly 14% of electricity generation, with solar being the largest contributor. Almost 10% comes from solar energy, split between utility-scale solar and behind-the-meter (BTM) installations, while wind and biofuels provide a tiny fraction of electricity. Despite these contributions, clean electricity generation remains a small share of the total, emphasizing the state’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the need for a transition to greener energy sources.

Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Rhode Island?

The electricity consumption in Rhode Island is on a decline, which comes as a surprise given the global push for more electrification and clean electricity growth. The latest data for 2025 shows that average electricity consumption per person is 8821 kWh, a significant drop of 1178 kWh from a previous high of 9999 kWh in 2023. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a decrease, with 1231 kWh per person in 2025 compared to 1314 kWh in 2023. This reduces the already modest share of clean electricity in the state's energy mix. It is imperative for Rhode Island to reverse this trend as electricity demand is expected to rise with the electrification of transport and other sectors.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Rhode Island should focus on expanding its solar infrastructure, both at the utility scale and through residential solar projects. This aligns with successful strategies seen in regions such as Hawaii and California, where solar contributes significantly to their electricity mix. Additionally, the state could consider the roadmap provided by New Hampshire, where nuclear energy comprises a substantial portion of electricity generation. By learning from these regions, and incorporating sustainable energy practices, Rhode Island can aim to enhance its clean electricity generation capacity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute positively to tackling climate change and air pollution.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Rhode Island, the data indicates periods of stagnation and minor changes over the years. In the late 2000s, modest contributions from biofuels were noted, but by 2013 there was a slight decline. The introduction of wind energy in 2017 did provide a small boost, but activity has plateaued since then with no significant gains. While biofuels and wind have shown mixed results, it is essential for Rhode Island to proactively seek robust growth in technologies like solar and nuclear, to build a resilient clean electricity portfolio for the future. The momentum needs to shift urgently towards sustainable practices, to prepare both for rising demand and for achieving environmental goals.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade