Over the period from September 2024 to August 2025, California's electricity production showcased a strong reliance on clean energy, with low-carbon sources providing more than half of its total electricity. Solar energy led the charge within this category, contributing close to 30% of the total electricity mix, followed by hydropower at around 9%. Nuclear energy added a further 6%, with wind and geothermal also playing critical roles in the low-carbon sector, although their individual contributions were more modest. Despite this robust low-carbon profile, approximately a quarter of California's electricity still came from fossil fuels, predominantly from gas, which accounted for almost all of that share. Additionally, another 19% of the state's electricity needs were met through net imports, emphasizing a dependency on external sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in California?
While the overall electricity consumption per person in California showed a reduction from the 2008 peak of 8256 kWh to 7620 kWh in 2025, this trend belies an encouraging development on the clean energy front. Recent data indicates a significant increase in low-carbon electricity generation, rising from the 2024 figure of 4029 kWh per person to 4206 kWh per person in 2025, an increase of approximately 200 kWh. This demonstrates California's commitment to boosting clean energy, even if total electricity use per person has declined. The growth in low-carbon sources aligns with global goals of reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change, signaling progress in greening California's electricity supply despite the drop in total personal consumption.
Suggestions
To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, California can capitalize on its already substantial solar capacity. Learning from regions such as Iowa and South Dakota, which have successfully increased their reliance on wind energy, California could further diversify its clean energy mix by exploring expanded solar and nuclear opportunities. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy forms the backbone of electricity generation, provide valuable lessons in maintaining a consistent, low-carbon electricity supply. By expanding its existing solar infrastructure and exploring nuclear possibilities, California can strengthen its electricity grid's sustainability and resilience, lessening its reliance on fossil fuels and imports while paving the way for a cleaner energy future.
History
California's historical journey toward a low-carbon electricity array has been marked by significant fluctuations. The early 2000s saw variations in hydropower, with a notable dip in 2007 followed by fluctuations through the next years, including sharp increases in 2016 and 2019. Most notably, the state witnessed declines in nuclear generation, most significantly with an 18 TWh reduction in 2012. However, the last decade has been characterized by impressive solar growth, with substantial additions, particularly in 2014 and 2024. These advancements demonstrate California's shift towards clean energy, driven largely by solar power, which is critical in maintaining momentum towards sustainable electricity production. With this history, California is well-positioned to further expand its clean energy landscape, leaning on previous gains and learning from regional leaders in solar and nuclear energy integration.
