Over the 12 months from July 2025 to June 2026, Pennsylvania's electricity consumption shows a strong reliance on fossil fuels, making up more than half of the total electricity mix at roughly 65%. The majority of this share is dominated by gas, accounting for close to 57%. Coal provides a smaller fraction, contributing around 7% to the energy mix. In contrast, low-carbon electricity sources contribute nearly 35% of Pennsylvania's electricity. Within this segment, nuclear power is the dominant player, delivering a substantial 31%, while solar and wind together account for barely 3% of the total electricity, indicating great potential for growth in these areas for a cleaner energy future.

Is Electricity Growing in Pennsylvania?

Analyzing recent trends, electricity consumption in Pennsylvania appears to have slightly declined. The current per-person consumption stands at about 18,782 kWh, which is almost 200 kWh less than the peak in 2025. This stagnation is concerning when considering growing electricity needs driven by electrification and technological advancements. On a more positive note, Pennsylvania has seen a modest increase in low-carbon electricity generation, with the latest output being 6,548 kWh/person, an increase of 33 kWh/person compared to 2025. This growth, though small, highlights the state's potential to continue its transition towards cleaner energy.

Suggestions

To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, Pennsylvania could expand its existing nuclear facilities, which already contribute significantly to the state's clean electricity. Drawing inspiration from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear accounts for over 65% of electricity, Pennsylvania could continue to enhance its nuclear capacity. Moreover, by investing in solar power, Pennsylvania can learn from states like California, which generates about 31% of its electricity from solar. To diversify its clean energy portfolio further, Pennsylvania could also consider wind energy, following the lead of states like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind contributes over 50% of the electricity supply.

History

Historically, Pennsylvania's low-carbon electricity generation has seen varying degrees of change over the last few years. In 2024, nuclear energy experienced a minimal increase of 0.1 TWh, while hydro saw a slight decline of the same magnitude. The following year, 2025, saw a concerning decline in nuclear by 0.4 TWh, albeit with a compensatory increase in wind by 0.3 TWh. However, 2026 marked a recovery and growth phase for nuclear power, recording an increase of 0.3 TWh, even as hydro and wind slightly diminished. These trends underscore the importance of sustained and enhanced investment in both nuclear and wind energy to solidify Pennsylvania's clean energy future and avoid the pitfalls of declining clean electricity output.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.