Over the past year, from April 2025 to March 2026, the electricity consumption in Pennsylvania has predominantly relied on fossil fuels, with more than half, approximately 65%, being derived from these sources. A significant portion of the fossil fuel consumption comes from gas, which makes up roughly 58% of the total electricity supply. Meanwhile, low-carbon sources account for a smaller, yet substantial, portion of electricity consumption, contributing to about a third of the total. Nuclear energy is the primary contributor within the low-carbon segment, providing slightly over 30% of Pennsylvania's electricity. Other clean sources like wind and solar energy each account for close to none of the total, with about 1.4% each, painting a landscape where reliance on low-carbon electricity is not as robust as it could be.

Is Electricity Growing in Pennsylvania?

Examining the recent trends in electricity growth, it's apparent that Pennsylvania's electricity consumption is not on an upward trajectory. The latest numbers indicate a slight decline since the previous year, with total electricity usage standing at 18,962 kWh per person, marginally below the previous record in 2025 of 18,979 kWh per person. The low-carbon segment also follows a similar pattern, experiencing a negligible decrease from 6,515 kWh per person in 2025 to 6,514 kWh. The change, albeit minimal, highlights an area of concern, as these decreases reflect stagnation in electricity growth, especially in the clean energy sector. With increasing demands driven by electrification and advancing technologies, reversing this stagnation is vital.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Pennsylvania could benefit from expanding its existing nuclear infrastructure, given its already significant contribution to the state's electricity supply. Additionally, learning from successful regions could provide pathways for growth. For instance, France and Slovakia have demonstrated the viability of heavily investing in nuclear power, generating 67% and 65% of their electricity, respectively, from this clean source. Similarly, California's success in solar energy, providing a remarkable 31% of its electricity, underscores the potential for growth in solar energy as well. By focusing on expanding both nuclear and solar sources, Pennsylvania could significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity generation.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Pennsylvania reflects a mixture of slight fluctuations and stagnations. In the mid-2020s, the state saw minor ups and downs across various low-carbon sources. The year 2024 witnessed negligible changes, with nuclear electricity slightly increasing, wind remaining constant, and hydro energy falling slightly. Moving into 2025, there was a notable decrease in nuclear generation, countered by an increment in wind energy, while biofuels and hydro energy stayed stable with no significant growth. The following year, 2026, saw nuclear generation rise slightly, amidst minimal declines in both wind and hydro energy. This history indicates a need for revitalized commitment to, and investment in, sustainable low-carbon solutions, especially given the vital role they play in reducing dependency on fossil fuels and paving the way towards a more sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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