Over the past 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, Pennsylvania's electricity consumption has heavily relied on fossil fuels, with over 65% of electricity coming from these sources. The primary contributor within this category is natural gas, representing almost 59% of total electricity generation. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources account for just over a third of Pennsylvania's electricity production. Nuclear energy is the most significant source of low-carbon electricity in the state, providing more than 30%, while wind and solar contribute a small portion, with approximately 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively. Coal remains a part of the mix but constitutes a much smaller share, at just under 7%.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Pennsylvania?
Electricity consumption in Pennsylvania has increased, reaching a peak of 18,975 kWh per person in 2025, surpassing the previous record from 2021 by 382 kWh per person. While the overall demand for electricity has grown, the generation of low-carbon electricity has decreased slightly from past highs. In 2025, low-carbon generation stood at 6,503 kWh per person, which is 788 kWh less than the record set in 2018. This decline signifies a worrying trend, especially in a time where increasing green electricity is essential to combat climate change and reduce air pollution through the reduction in fossil fuel dependency.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Pennsylvania can focus on enhancing its existing nuclear infrastructure, given its already substantial contribution to the state’s electricity supply. Harnessing insights from lead regions globally can also aid in this transition. For instance, France's extensive use of nuclear power, which generates a substantial 68% of its electricity, provides a compelling model for nuclear expansion. Moreover, the state can also draw lessons from California, which has achieved nearly 30% of its electricity from solar energy. By following these examples, Pennsylvania could significantly increase its low-carbon electricity share, fostering a sustainable energy future.
History
In examining Pennsylvania's historical low-carbon electricity data, there have been notable fluctuations, particularly in nuclear energy. During the mid-2000s, nuclear generation experienced several declines, notably a 1.2 TWh decrease in 2005 and a 1.7 TWh drop in 2011. This trend, however, was intermittently countered by advancements, such as in 2013 and 2016, when nuclear output significantly rose by 3.5 TWh and 2.4 TWh, respectively. In the early 2020s, nuclear generation again saw a substantial decline, with a marked decrease of 6.7 TWh in 2020. Despite this, solar energy showed promising growth in recent years, with a contribution increase of 0.9 TWh in 2025. Going forward, stabilizing and increasing nuclear capacity while continuing to expand solar generation seems essential for a clean energy transition in Pennsylvania.
