Over the past year, from July 2025 to June 2026, electricity consumption in Virginia presents a mixed picture concerning energy sources. More than a third of Virginia's electricity comes from fossil fuels such as gas, which contributes around 37%, and coal, making up a small portion at just over 2%. In contrast, low-carbon sources collectively account for approximately 26% of the electricity, with nuclear energy being a significant contributor at over 17%, while solar power, including utility-scale solar, provides close to 7%. Remarkably, net imports represent over a third of electricity consumption, indicating a dependency on external sources. The distribution of these energy sources highlights the growing importance of clean, low-carbon electricity as the state continues to diversify its power mix.

Is Electricity Growing in Virginia?

In terms of electricity consumption, Virginia has seen an increase in recent years. The total electricity consumption in 2026 reached 18,289 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record of 18,063 kWh per person set in 2025. This indicates a modest growth of 226 kWh per person, reflecting a positive trend in energy usage. Furthermore, low-carbon electricity generation also saw an increase, reaching 4,741 kWh per person, which is 13 kWh per person higher than the previous record in 2025. This upward trajectory in both total and low-carbon electricity generation is encouraging, suggesting that Virginia is on the right path toward meeting growing demand through sustainable means.

Suggestions

To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Virginia should focus on expanding its nuclear power capabilities. With nuclear power already accounting for a substantial portion of its electricity mix, enhancing this capability could solidify Virginia's energy independence and sustainability. Additionally, Virginia can draw lessons from regions like South Carolina and Illinois, where nuclear energy contributes significantly to their electricity generation. Regions such as Nevada and California demonstrate a strong commitment to solar power, which can serve as models for increasing Virginia's solar capacity. By adopting these strategies, Virginia can move toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future that supports both environmental goals and growing electricity demand.

History

Historically, Virginia's investment in low-carbon electricity generation has seen its ups and downs. The early 2020s recorded declines in nuclear power, with a reduction of 0.7 TWh in both 2024 and 2025, showcasing a concerning trend for a crucial low-carbon energy source. Efforts to stabilize this trend appeared in 2026 when the decline was reduced to 0.4 TWh. Meanwhile, the biofuels segment experienced a small uptick over the same period, adding 0.2 TWh in 2025 and 0.1 TWh in 2026, although it remains a minor player overall in the electricity mix. Wind and hydro contributions remain unchanged, neither adding nor subtracting in recent years. This backdrop of nuclear setbacks serves as a clear call to action for Virginia to renew its focus on fortifying and expanding its mix of sustainable electricity sources like nuclear and solar energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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