In the year 2025, Wisconsin's electricity consumption is characterized by a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which make up a little over 60% of the total. Both gas and coal contribute almost equally to this percentage, each supplying around 30%. Clean energy sources make up about 26% of the electricity mix, with nuclear power being a notable contributor at approximately 13%. Solar and wind, however, provide relatively small shares, with solar generating close to 6% and wind accounting for a small 2.5%. Biofuels and hydropower further add to the clean energy mix but in minimal amounts. Additionally, net imports supply about 13% of the state's electricity needs.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Wisconsin?
Electricity consumption in Wisconsin is showing a steady growth pattern. In 2025, consumption recorded an uptick to 12,950 kWh per person, which is an increase over the previous record set in 2023 of 12,432 kWh per person. This change reflects an increase of 518 kWh per person, signaling rising demand for electricity. More heartening is the growth seen in low-carbon electricity generation, which reached 3,347 kWh per person in 2025, reflecting an increase of 235 kWh per person from the 2024 figures. The expanding clean energy generation is a positive trend and indicates progress in sustainable energy use.
Suggestions
For Wisconsin to further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, expanding nuclear capacity is imperative, given its significant share in the energy mix and potential for reliable energy supply. Wisconsin can take a cue from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy dominates as the primary source of low-carbon electricity with rates of over 65%. Additionally, Wisconsin could enhance its solar capabilities by looking to regions like Nevada and California, where solar contributes around a third of the electricity. These examples show that Wisconsin has excellent models to follow in its pursuit of becoming a leader in clean energy generation, both by scaling up existing nuclear infrastructure and tapping more extensively into solar potential.
History
In exploring the recent history of low-carbon electricity in Wisconsin, it is noteworthy that there was an annual growth in electricity from biofuels, hydropower, and wind between 2024 and 2025. However, both wind and nuclear did not show increased generation from 2025, which is disappointing given their significant role in clean energy production. In 2024, nuclear power had increased by 0.5 TWh, alongside incremental rises in biofuels, hydro, and wind. Such growth spells a promising trajectory in achieving lower carbon emissions, but the stagnation in nuclear and wind in 2025 calls for renewed focus and investment. This indicates the opportunity for Wisconsin to revisit and redefine its strategies to accelerate the adoption of these crucial low-carbon sources.
