In Alaska, as of the year 2025, electricity consumption is primarily driven by fossil fuels, which account for more than 60% of the electricity generation. This includes significant contributions from gas at about 37%, oil at over 15%, and coal at nearly 12%. On the cleaner side, low-carbon energy sources make up about 31% of electricity generation, with hydropower being the dominant source providing around 28%, and wind contributing a small portion at nearly 2%. Net imports account for almost 4% of the electricity; however, they do not fall independently into the fossil or low-carbon groups. Thus, while there is a considerable reliance on fossil energy, Alaska's clean energy sector, particularly through hydropower, also plays a vital role.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Alaska?
Examining electricity consumption trends in Alaska reveals a slight decline in overall consumption. In 2025, the average electricity use per person was 9077 kWh, a minor reduction from the previous high of 9146 kWh per person in 2023. This indicates a decrease of 69 kWh per person. However, Alaska's commitment to low-carbon electricity is evident with a nearly 5% increase in clean electricity use, reaching 2774 kWh per person from 2637 kWh in 2023. Thus, while total electricity consumption has decreased slightly, the shift towards more low-carbon energy sources is a positive development for sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To enhance clean energy reliance, Alaska can learn from regions excelling in low-carbon electricity solutions. Solar and nuclear energy present significant opportunities for expansion. Observations from states like Nevada, where solar accounts for 34% of electricity generation, demonstrate the potential for solar energy in sunlit regions. On the other hand, nuclear power represents a robust alternative, as highlighted by countries such as France and Slovakia, which generate over 60% of their electricity from nuclear sources. These examples suggest pathways Alaska could take: harnessing the ample wind resources akin to South Dakota, where wind energy produces 58% of electricity, or investing substantially in solar and nuclear technologies to forge a path towards a more sustainable energy future.
History
Alaska's historical data on low-carbon electricity shows limited dynamic change. In 2024, there was a slight decrease in hydroelectric power generation by 0.1 TWh, yet it rebounded by an equivalent margin in 2025. Wind and biofuels showed no change in generation levels across these years. This stagnation highlights the need for substantial strategic initiatives in diversifying and expanding the low-carbon energy mix to secure future energy needs consistent with goals for reduced fossil dependency and climate action. As the challenges of climate change and air pollution continue, there is an imperative to vigorously advance low-carbon electricity solutions, with nuclear and solar standing out as particularly promising avenues.
