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Yes.
Wisconsin, which produces less electricity than it consumes, imports on average 15% of its electricity from other states, federal statistics show.
In 2024, Wisconsin used about 73 million megawatt-hours of electricity. That included about 8 million – 11.1% – imported from other states.
Minnesota imported 10.3%.
Iowa (14.5%), Illinois (22.7%) and Michigan (14.6%) were net-exporters.
Wisconsin imported more in previous years:
2023: 14.8%
2022: 18.4%
2021: 14%
2020: 15.7%
About 10% of U.S. electricity generation is traded across state lines.
Wisconsin participates in a grid run by Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which aims to ensure power flows across 15 central U.S. states.
Electricity rates in Wisconsin, which produces most electricity from coal and natural gas, have exceeded regional averages annually for 20 years.
Wisconsin utility ratepayers owe nearly $1 billion on coal-powered plants that have been or soon will be shut down, Wisconsin Watch recently reported.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration: Wisconsin State Profile and Energy Estimates
- U.S. Energy Information Administration: 2024 interstate trade
- U.S. Energy Information Administration: Virginia was the top net electricity recipient of any state in 2023
- Midcontinent Independent System Operator: Fact Sheet
- Wisconsin Watch: Have Wisconsin electricity price increases exceeded the Midwest average for 20 years?
- Wisconsin Watch: As energy-hungry data centers loom, Wisconsin ratepayers owe $1 billion on shuttered power plants
- Badger Institute: Wisconsin electricity production and imports
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