As of 2025, California's electricity consumption demonstrates a strong inclination towards low-carbon sources, with more than half—approximately 57%—of its electricity coming from clean energy. Leading this charge is solar power, accounting for almost a third of the state's electricity. The division within solar shows that utility-scale contributes approximately 19%, while behind-the-meter (BTM) capacities add nearly 12%. Other low-carbon contributors include hydropower at around 10%, nuclear at around 6%, wind close to 6%, and geothermal under 4%. Biofuels, though contributing to low-carbon generation, account for close to none at 1.5%. Meanwhile, fossil energy, predominantly natural gas, still accounts for just over 25% of electricity consumption, underscoring the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in California?
The trend in California's electricity consumption signals a slight decline, which is not generally a positive sign for economic growth and progress in technology. In 2025, the electricity consumption has decreased to 7520 kWh per person from a historical high of 7700 kWh in 2024. However, the concurrent rise in low-carbon electricity generation, reaching 4260 kWh per person from 4029 kWh, is a positive development. This highlights a robust and commendable increase in clean energy production, an essential step in reducing the adverse impacts of fossil fuels on climate change. As the world shifts towards electrification, maintaining and growing total electricity consumption, especially from low-carbon sources, is critical.
Suggestions
California can further increase its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its already significant solar capacities. With solar being a leading contributor, doubling down on both utility-scale and BTM solar installations will likely yield even greater benefits. California can also look towards regions such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy contributes more than 65% to their electricity mix, as an inspiration to increase nuclear energy capacity. By examining successful models of wind energy integration like that of Iowa and Denmark, which draw significant power from wind, California could diversify its clean energy portfolio. Embracing these low-carbon strategies is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of environmental pollution and climate change.
History
Historically, California's transition to low-carbon electricity has seen varied progress. In recent years, lower hydropower generation was observed, with a decrease of 2.6 TWh in 2024 and an additional decline of 1.3 TWh in 2025. Conversely, wind energy has seen slight gains, increasing by 1.6 TWh in 2024 and 0.6 TWh in 2025. The nuclear sector, despite a minor increase in 2024, unfortunately decreased by 0.8 TWh in 2025. These fluctuations highlight missed opportunities to enhance clean energy capacity consistently, particularly the need for a more steadfast strategy in boosting nuclear power, a reliable and substantial source of low-carbon energy. California must prioritize reinforcing and expanding upon its clean energy framework to secure a sustainable future.
