As of the latest data from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in California shows a remarkable effort towards clean energy sourcing. More than half, specifically 55.2%, of the electricity generated comes from low-carbon sources. This includes solar, hydropower, nuclear, wind, and other clean technologies. Solar power dominates as a significant contributor with almost a third of the total, at 29.4%, split between utility-scale and behind-the-meter installations. Nevertheless, fossil fuels still account for about a quarter of the electricity consumption, with natural gas being the primary fossil fuel used, making up 25.81%. Net imports constitute around 19%, suggesting that there is room for California to further improve local clean electricity production.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in California?
Despite these developments, electricity consumption in California seems to be experiencing stagnation rather than growth. The latest figures show that the state's total electricity usage is at 7,620 kWh per person, which is notably lower than the 8,256 kWh/person recorded back in 2008. This represents a decline of 636 kWh per person, indicating a worrying trend if the aim is to power an increasingly electrified and digital future. On the brighter side, there is a slight increase in low-carbon electricity generation, currently at 4,206 kWh/person, which has grown by 177 kWh/person compared to the last year's record. This progress is commendable, but to meet future demand, further growth in clean electricity generation is essential.
Suggestions
To increase low-carbon electricity production, California should focus on expanding its existing solar infrastructure, given its substantial current contribution to the clean energy mix. Learning from regions where the integration of nuclear and wind energy has been extremely successful could also provide a path forward. For instance, France and Slovakia have been very successful with nuclear energy, generating 70% and 66% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Meanwhile, states such as Iowa and South Dakota successfully harness wind power, with around 60% and 57% of their electricity derived from this clean source. By leveraging these proven strategies, California can make additional strides in expanding its low-carbon electricity generation portfolio effectively.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in California reflects both challenges and opportunities. In the early 2000s, a notable increase in both hydroelectric and nuclear power was observed, with significant contributions recorded in 2005 and 2006. However, 2007 and 2012 were marked by substantial declines in hydro and especially nuclear energy, which is concerning given the potential of nuclear power for sustainable and reliable electricity supply. Despite periodic fluctuations in hydropower, the recent years, especially 2016, 2017, and 2023, witnessed marked increases in hydroelectric production. Nevertheless, it is evident that consistent progress in low-carbon electricity generation is crucial for California's energy future, emphasizing the need to revisit and potentially enhance nuclear generation capacity along with expanding solar and wind resources.
