Wisconsin's electricity consumption from September 2024 to August 2025 reveals a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which account for more than half of the total electricity generation. Specifically, gas contributes close to a third, while coal provides slightly less than that. On the positive side, low-carbon energy sources, though making up just over a quarter of the electricity mix, showcase a diverse set of contributors. Nuclear power, as a steadfast component of low-carbon energy, makes up almost 13%, while solar energy, both utility-scale and smaller installations, adds around 5.5%. Hydropower and wind each contribute about 2.6%, with biofuels adding a modest 1.5%. Additionally, net imports constitute approximately 12% of the electricity consumed, highlighting Wisconsin's dependence on out-of-state electricity sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Wisconsin?
Despite the embrace of low-carbon sources, overall electricity consumption in Wisconsin has diminished since its peak. In 2025, electricity use stood at 12,806 kWh per person, indicating a decline from the 2007 high of 14,170 kWh per person. This dwindling trend is also evident in low-carbon electricity generation, which reached 3,219 kWh per person in 2025. Although these numbers fell short of the 2012 peak of 3,330 kWh per person, they underscore the need for exacerbated efforts in expanding low-carbon capacity. The decline in these metrics is disheartening given the imperative to meet future electricity demands and combat climate change through clean energy use.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity output in Wisconsin, focusing on nuclear energy expansion seems pragmatic, considering its substantial role in existing generation. Learning from the nuclear success stories of regions like Illinois and South Carolina, where nuclear energy accounts for over half of the electricity, Wisconsin could augment its nuclear capacity and ensure a steady supply of clean energy. Furthermore, exploring the potential for solar energy growth, akin to Nevada's achievement of 33% solar electricity, could serve Wisconsin's clean energy ambitions. Drawing on these examples, Wisconsin can devise a multi-faceted strategy to significantly ramp up its low-carbon generation and move away from its heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
History
Looking back at the historical evolution of low-carbon electricity in Wisconsin, nuclear energy has seen fluctuating contributions over the years. The early 2000s and onward saw some notable years of growth, such as 2006 and 2012, when nuclear increased by 2.3 TWh and 2.7 TWh, respectively. However, there have been concerning downturns too, notably in 2005, 2013, and 2014, when nuclear generation dropped by 2 TWh or more. Hydropower has traditionally played a smaller, yet consistent role, with some ups and downs, such as a 0.7 TWh increase in 2010 and a decrease by 0.6 TWh in 2021. Wind energy made a modest gain of 0.6 TWh in 2009, marking an important step towards diversifying clean energy inputs. Despite these fluctuations, the general trajectory is indicative of an urgent need for Wisconsin to strategically enhance its low-carbon generation infrastructure, focusing on stable and scalable solutions like nuclear and solar.
