Vermont's electricity consumption in 2025 reveals a compelling yet challenging picture of energy use and sourcing. More than half of the state's electricity is imported, demonstrating a high reliance on external sources. Domestically, Vermont's energy mix is predominantly clean, with about 40% of electricity generated from low-carbon sources. Hydropower remains the most significant domestic contributor, constituting around 19% of electricity. Solar power, when combining both behind-the-meter and utility-scale solar, makes up almost 12%, while wind and biofuels each contribute just over 6%. This reliance on clean sources highlights Vermont's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, although the high percentage of imported electricity indicates an area for improvement in self-sufficiency.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Vermont?
Analyzing electricity consumption trends in Vermont shows moderate growth, as seen in the recent increase to 9,576 kWh per person in 2025, up by 325 kWh from the previous year. This growth signifies Vermont's expanding demand for electricity, likely tied to increased electrification and technological advancement, which aligns with global trends. However, there is a concerning drop in the generation of low-carbon electricity to 3,835 kWh per person from a previous peak of 4,182 in 2023. This decline suggests potential challenges in maintaining and expanding low-carbon electricity generation despite the overall rise in consumption, spotlighting a critical area where Vermont needs to focus its energy strategy.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Vermont can draw inspiration from successful regions. States like New Hampshire and regions such as France utilize nuclear energy extensively, with nuclear comprising more than half of their electricity mix. Similarly, states like Nevada and California have successfully expanded solar energy, with solar providing 31% and 34% of their electricity, respectively. By investing in nuclear energy, Vermont could significantly increase its low-carbon capacity and self-sufficiency. Expanding solar energy is another viable pathway—offering scalable and sustainable growth. Emulating these successful strategies could help Vermont reduce its dependency on imported electricity while advancing towards a cleaner, more autonomous energy future.
History
Historically, Vermont has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation. In 2024, there was a notable decline in hydropower, reducing by 0.3 terawatt-hours, with no growth seen in wind or biofuels. This lack of significant new development continued in 2025, with hydropower diminishing further by 0.1 terawatt-hours and wind and biofuels again showing no change. These recent trends of stagnation in low-carbon development can be worrying. Vermont must address such declines proactively, underscoring the necessity for strategic expansion in areas like solar and nuclear power to ensure a sustainable and prosperous low-carbon energy future.
