In Wisconsin, the electricity consumption for the year 2025 reveals that a significant portion of the state's electricity, more than half, is generated from fossil fuels, with gas and coal contributing almost equally at just over 30% each. On the other hand, clean electricity accounts for a little more than a quarter of the total consumption. Within this low-carbon category, nuclear power stands out as a major source, contributing almost 13%, while solar energy, including utility solar, makes up about 6%. Hydropower and wind each generate around 3% and 2.5% respectively. Meanwhile, net imports contribute slightly over 13%, rounding out Wisconsin's electricity consumption profile.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's electricity consumption is on an upward trend, with the 2025 figures surpassing previous records. The latest data shows electricity use at 12,950 kWh per person, up by more than 500 kWh from 2023's record, showing positive growth. This increase extends to the clean electricity sector as well, with low-carbon electricity generation now at 3,347 kWh per person, also seeing an increase of over 230 kWh from the 2024 record. This growth is essential to meet future demand and to mitigate the environmental impact of fossil fuels, such as climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To further expand its low-carbon electricity generation, Wisconsin should consider boosting existing nuclear plants, benefiting from the large-scale, reliable power that nuclear energy can provide. By looking to successful regions with robust low-carbon profiles, such as France where nuclear power contributes 67% of electricity, or Iowa and South Dakota where wind power accounts for 58%, Wisconsin can adopt similar strategies. Increasing solar energy is another viable path, inspired by states like Nevada where solar provides 34% of electricity. These efforts would not only support environmental sustainability but also ensure Wisconsin's electricity supply meets the growing demands of a modern, electrified economy.
History
Looking back over the years, Wisconsin's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has seen steady gains. Notably, in 2024, there were increments in nuclear (0.5 TWh), wind (0.3 TWh), hydro (0.1 TWh) and biofuels (0.1 TWh) production. However, in 2025, while biofuels and hydro maintained slight growth at 0.1 TWh each, there was no additional growth in wind or nuclear generation. This stagnation in nuclear generation is concerning, given its importance. Despite the minor expansion seen in other low-carbon sources, an aggressive push to scale up nuclear and solar capacity would better position Wisconsin to harness the full potential of clean energy technologies and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
