Over the period from June 2024 to May 2025, electricity consumption in Vermont showcased a varied energy mix, with clean energy sources playing a significant role. Net imports accounted for more than half of the state's electricity consumption at 57%, indicating a considerable reliance on external resources. Low-carbon energy sources, such as hydropower, biofuels, wind, and solar, collectively made up approximately 43% of the electricity supply. Breaking it down, hydropower contributed a quarter of the consumption, while biofuels, wind, and solar added around 7%, 7%, and 4%, respectively. The distinction between low-carbon and fossil energy highlights Vermont's commitment to environmentally friendly electricity generation, even as imports dominate overall supply.
Is Electricity Growing in Vermont?
Despite Vermont's efforts in promoting low-carbon energy, the state has seen a downward trend in total electricity consumption. Recent data for 2025 indicates a per capita consumption of 8,870 kWh, a decrease from the peak of 11,655 kWh observed in 2009. The reduction of nearly 2,800 kWh per person emphasizes a declining trend. More concerning is the drop in low-carbon electricity generation, from 11,644 kWh per person in 2009 to just 3,803 kWh recently, marking a notable decrease of about 7,840 kWh. This decline in both total and clean electricity consumption comes at a time when electrification demands are increasing, necessitating urgent intervention to reverse this pattern.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Vermont can learn from various successful regions. Looking at states like New Hampshire, where nuclear contributes to 55% of electricity, and regions like Denmark and Iowa, with wind contributing to 57% and 62% respectively, Vermont could adopt a similar approach. Investing in nuclear power could diversify Vermont's energy portfolio and reduce reliance on imported electricity, taking cues from states and countries effectively utilizing nuclear, such as France and Slovakia. Additionally, harnessing Vermont's potential for solar energy could follow the footsteps of regions with similar solar capabilities, like Nevada, where solar constitutes nearly a third of the electricity supply. By integrating more nuclear and solar options, Vermont can increase its clean energy share significantly and secure a sustainable electricity future.
History
Evaluating the history of low-carbon electricity in Vermont reveals fluctuating trends over the past few decades. In the late 2000s, nuclear energy saw moderate increases in contributions, although this was short-lived with subsequent declines. Post-2010, hydroelectric and nuclear energy faced intermittent downturns. Notably, nuclear saw significant increases in 2005 and 2006, followed by declines in the following years, which severely impacted Vermont's clean electricity generation. These fluctuations underline the need for stable and consistent investment in low-carbon technologies to prevent a repeat of past setbacks. Ensuring reliable clean energy infrastructure is critical for Vermont's future electricity generation landscape.