In 2025, Vermont's electricity consumption showcases a strong reliance on imports, accounting for nearly 60% of its total electricity use. The state has made noteworthy strides towards a clean energy portfolio, with low-carbon sources contributing to just over 40% of its electricity consumption. Hydropower plays a predominant role within the low-carbon segment, providing approximately 19%. Solar power, encompassing both utility-scale and behind-the-meter installations, contributes almost 8%, whereas wind power and biofuels account for slightly more than 6% each. These percentages indicate Vermont's commitment to clean energy, albeit highlighting a significant dependency on energy imports.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Vermont?
Electricity consumption in Vermont is on an upward trend. The state's latest data reveals a per capita consumption of 9576 kWh, which is a notable increase from the previous year's 9251 kWh, marking a rise of 325 kWh per person. Unfortunately, this increase in overall consumption does not extend to low-carbon generation, which has seen a decline from its record high in 2023. The current per capita low-carbon generation is 3835 kWh, down by 346 kWh from the previous record. This trend is concerning, as the decline in local low-carbon generation suggests a growing reliance on external sources to meet the increased demand.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Vermont can take inspiration from regions renowned for their clean energy success. States like Iowa, South Dakota, and Denmark demonstrate the potential for significantly increasing wind power, with wind providing over 50% of their electricity. Similarly, the widespread adoption of solar power in Nevada and California, accounting for about 30% of their electricity, could serve as a model for Vermont to expand its solar initiatives. Furthermore, exploring nuclear energy could be beneficial, as states like New Hampshire and countries like France and Slovakia have successfully integrated nuclear power, contributing more than half of their electricity supply with this reliable and low-carbon technology. By learning from these examples, Vermont could diversify its clean energy mix and reduce its dependence on imported electricity.
History
Reflecting on Vermont’s historical trends in low-carbon electricity, the state has faced challenges in recent years. In 2024, hydropower experienced a decline of 0.3 TWh, followed by a slight reduction of 0.1 TWh in 2025, with no growth noted in wind and biofuels for these years. The decrease in hydropower generation indicates a need for Vermont to explore additional low-carbon options to sustain and increase its clean electricity output. Emphasizing investments in solar energy and considering nuclear power can offer Vermont a path to secure a more robust, sustainable energy future, ensuring increased low-carbon electricity generation and reducing reliance on fluctuating imports.
