Electricity in Rhode Island in 2024
As of 2024, electricity consumption in Rhode Island is heavily reliant on fossil energy, with more than 89% of electricity being generated from gas. In contrast, low-carbon electricity only accounts for approximately 11% of the total with solar energy being the largest contributor at close to 7%. Biofuels and wind follow with just over 2% and about 2%, respectively. The state’s significant dependence on fossil fuels raises concerns about air pollution and climate change, making the transition to low-carbon electricity a pressing issue for Rhode Island.
Is Electricity Growing in Rhode Island?
The latest data indicates a decrease in overall electricity consumption in Rhode Island, with the average person using approximately 8,506 kWh, a decline of 947 kWh from the 2023 record. Despite the decline in overall consumption, there has been an increase in low-carbon electricity generation, which rose to 908 kWh per person, marking a noteworthy enhancement of 140 kWh from the previous year. This shift suggests that Rhode Island is making strides toward greener energy solutions, although the reduction in total electricity consumption presents a challenge for overall growth and for meeting future energy demands.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Rhode Island can look to successful regions for inspiration. New Hampshire and New Jersey, with their significant nuclear contributions, can serve as examples of how incorporating nuclear energy can bolster clean energy strategies. Additionally, Rhode Island can benefit from expanding its solar capacity, drawing lessons from Nevada and Lebanon, which have effectively tapped into solar energy. Denmark and Iowa demonstrate remarkable achievements in wind energy, providing potential pathways to strengthen Rhode Island's clean electricity mix further, especially by focusing on wind and solar, and advocating for nuclear power as a sustainable alternative.
History
Throughout the early 21st century, biofuels have played a fluctuating role in Rhode Island's low-carbon electricity landscape, with minor changes up to 2013, when their contribution decreased slightly. However, by 2014, there was a noticeable increase in biofuels' role. In more recent years, solar energy has seen consistent growth since 2018, witnessing a modest yet steady year-by-year increase through 2024. Wind energy, while not experiencing significant growth patterns during these years, has remained a stable part of the low-carbon mix, with occasional small upticks, notably in 2017. This history reflects Rhode Island’s cautious yet positive movement toward a greener electricity future, although there is a clear need to dramatically accelerate this trend in alignment with global low-carbon initiatives.