Examining the electricity consumption in Virginia from September 2024 to August 2025, it's evident that there is a diverse mix of energy sources at play. Fossil fuels, including gas and coal, account for more than 40% of the electricity generation, with gas alone contributing close to 40%. Interestingly, net imports also play a significant role, supplying almost a third of Virginia's electricity. On the cleaner side, low-carbon sources contribute nearly 28% to the electricity mix. Nuclear energy stands as the primary low-carbon energy contributor, providing around a fifth of Virginia's electricity. Solar energy, inclusive of utility-scale installations, supplies over 6% of the state's electricity, constituting a noteworthy share of clean energy generation, while biofuels add a smaller proportion.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Virginia?
In terms of electricity usage, Virginia is experiencing growth. The most recent figures indicate that electricity consumption has risen to 17,449 kWh per person, surpassing the previous high recorded in 2024 of approximately 16,903 kWh per person. This indicates a growth of 546 kWh per person, underscoring an increased demand for electricity, likely driven by ongoing electrification and development needs. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation has also been on the rise. The latest figures show that each person in Virginia benefits from about 4,867 kWh of clean electricity annually, an elevation of 311 kWh from the prior year's record. This trend is promising, suggesting a shift towards cleaner energy sources as the state's electricity demand grows.
Suggestions
Looking ahead, Virginia can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing nuclear capacity, given its substantial and reliable contribution to the electricity portfolio. Drawing inspiration from regions like France and Slovakia, which generate about 70% and 66% of their electricity from nuclear energy respectively, Virginia can elevate its nuclear generation proportion to further reduce fossil fuel dependence. Additionally, taking cues from states like Nevada and California, where solar energy provides 33% and 29% of electricity respectively, scaling up solar installations can significantly bolster Virginia's clean electricity efforts. It's imperative to follow successful strategies from these regions to sustainably meet the growing electricity demands while minimizing environmental impact.
History
Reflecting on Virginia's low-carbon electricity history, the state has experienced fluctuating dynamics, especially in the nuclear sector. In the early years of the 21st century, nuclear generation saw modest gains, contributing positively to the state's energy mix. However, around 2010 and subsequent years, some declines in nuclear generation were observed. Notwithstanding, the recent years have marked a rebound with significant increases in nuclear capacity, notably in 2023 and 2025, thereby bolstering the low-carbon electricity supply. Alongside, biofuels and hydroelectricity saw modest increments in selected years. While the past has registered some downturns, the recent positive trend in nuclear expansion portrays a bright future for sustainable electricity generation in Virginia.
