Over the past year, spanning from September 2024 to August 2025, Alaska's electricity consumption paints an intriguing picture of energy reliance and progress towards clean energy sources. Fossil fuels still dominate the landscape with more than 66% share, spearheaded by gas at approximately 40% and oil at 14%. Coal also forms a significant part of the mix, providing close to 12% of the state's electricity. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources are embraced, contributing just over 31% of the electricity generated. This segment is heavily influenced by hydropower, which accounts for nearly 28% of the total energy mix. Despite the potential for wind to enrich the clean energy landscape, it remains a marginal contributor, standing at less than 2% of total generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Alaska?
Examining the growth of electricity consumption in Alaska reveals a mixed bag. Current figures indicate an average consumption of 8,961 kWh per person, a decline from the 2007 record of over 10,000 kWh per person, translating to a drop of 1,068 kWh per person. This decrement suggests moderate electricity usage per capita compared to historical highs. Nonetheless, there is a beacon of progress in the form of low-carbon electricity. In 2025, Alaskans consumed 2,782 kWh per person from clean sources, surpassing the 2020 record of 2,644 kWh per person, marking an increase of 138 kWh. This indicates a positive, albeit smaller, shift towards sustainable power, with room for further development and expansion.
Suggestions
To bolster Alaska's low-carbon electricity generation, the state can draw inspiration from regions that have successfully integrated high levels of clean energy. The use of nuclear power in countries like France and Slovakia, where it constitutes around two-thirds to 70% of electricity generation, exemplifies the potential of nuclear energy. Additionally, the adoption of wind energy in states like Iowa and Denmark, where it accounts for 58% to 60% of electricity, showcases how wind can significantly contribute to clean energy solutions. Alaska can also explore solar power, taking cues from Nevada and California, where solar energy provides around 30% of electricity. By embracing a combination of solar, wind, and nuclear energy, Alaska has the potential to significantly increase its clean energy footprint and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
History
Reflecting on the historical trajectory of low-carbon electricity in Alaska, hydropower has been a primary contributor since the mid-2000s, albeit with fluctuations. For instance, the early 2010s saw minor rises and falls in hydropower output, ultimately leading to a more stabilized production in recent years. The past few years have mostly held steady, with 2025 seeing a notable increase of 0.2 TWh in hydropower generation. Concurrently, wind energy made its entrance in 2013, although its contribution remains small. Despite the steady nature of these developments, the lack of diversity in the low-carbon energy portfolio signals a need for aggressive strategies to bolster generation through solar and nuclear options which can offer both reliability and scalability for the future.
