Over the past twelve months, from July 2025 to June 2026, Wisconsin's electricity consumption has been dominated by fossil fuels, contributing to more than half (58%) of the total electricity usage. Gas and coal have been major contributors within this category, with gas accounting for about 30% and coal roughly 27%. Low-carbon electricity sources account for around a quarter of Wisconsin's electricity, showcasing the need for further expansion of sustainable energy sources in the state. This includes nuclear energy producing approximately 13%, solar power contributing about 6% from both utility-scale and other solar projects, and smaller shares from hydropower, wind, and biofuels. Approximately 16% of Wisconsin's electricity needs are met through net imports, highlighting dependency on external sources.

Is Electricity Growing in Wisconsin?

The recent electricity consumption data suggests a slight increase in the state's electricity usage. In 2026, per capita consumption stood at 13,057 kWh, surpassing the previous record of 12,950 kWh in 2025 by 107 kWh. Likewise, low-carbon electricity generation has also inched up, reaching 3,405 kWh per person in 2026, compared to 3,347 kWh the year before, marking a growth of 58 kWh. These increments, though modest, represent positive steps towards both increasing overall electricity availability and enhancing the share of cleaner energy sources within Wisconsin's energy mix. However, the slow pace signals the state’s need to expedite its clean electricity ambitions as it faces a growing demand spurred by electrification and technological advances like AI.

Suggestions

Wisconsin can bolster its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing nuclear infrastructure. Learning from regions such as France, where nuclear accounts for 67% of electricity, Wisconsin could optimize its nuclear capabilities to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, investing in solar, inspired by California’s 31% solar electricity share, could enhance Wisconsin's clean energy profile. The strong wind energy frameworks of neighboring states like Iowa and South Dakota, each generating around 56% of their electricity from wind, provide further insights into aligning policy and investment towards sustainable wind energy in Wisconsin, thereby creating a more diversified and greener energy portfolio.

History

Throughout the 2020s, Wisconsin's low-carbon electricity generation has witnessed various developments. In 2024, there was modest growth across several clean energy sources; nuclear increased by 0.5 TWh, wind by 0.3 TWh, hydro by 0.1 TWh, and biofuels also by 0.1 TWh. These gains tapered off in 2025 where biofuels and hydro each grew by 0.1 TWh, while both wind and nuclear experienced no change. By 2026, the situation showed some regression with a 0.1 TWh decline in both nuclear and wind, although hydro saw an uptick of 0.3 TWh. These fluctuations demonstrate the importance of maintaining strategic focus and investment, particularly in high-potential sectors like nuclear, to sustain and accelerate low-carbon electricity growth amidst global pressure to mitigate climate change.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.