Washington is notably leading the way in clean electricity generation, with over 84% of its power coming from low-carbon sources. This substantial achievement reflects the state's longstanding commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Hydropower plays a dominant role, contributing more than two-thirds to the clean energy mix. Other sources, including wind, nuclear, solar, and biofuels, contribute to the state's green energy grid, enabling Washington to serve as a significant net exporter of electricity. This helps neighboring regions lower their carbon footprints. As Washington looks to the future, the key challenge will be expanding electricity supply to other sectors like transport, heating, and industry to further drive down emissions and support sustainability.

Is Electricity Growing in Washington?

Electricity consumption in Washington is on a growth trajectory, with the latest measurement showing an increase to 13,641 kWh per person, up from the previous record of 13,170 kWh in 2023. This growth highlights a rising demand for electricity, possibly driven by increased electrification and economic activity. Notably, clean electricity generation has also expanded significantly, with the latest figures hitting 11,546 kWh per person, an impressive increase of over 1,035 kWh from the previous record in 2025. This growth in both consumption and the share of clean electricity is a promising sign of progress towards the state's sustainable energy goals.

Suggestions

Looking to the future, Washington can continue to increase its low-carbon electricity generation by further investing in solar and nuclear power. These sources not only provide reliable, sustainable electricity but also have the potential to meet rising demand as the state aims to decarbonize its economy further. Expanding solar energy is particularly advantageous due to the modular and scalable nature of solar installations, while nuclear energy offers a high capacity factor and minimal emissions. By leveraging these technologies, Washington can continue to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to a clean energy future, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and curbing the harmful impacts of climate change.

History

From a historical perspective, Washington's commitment to low-carbon electricity has been evident across the years. In the mid-2020s, there were significant fluctuations in low-carbon electricity generation. In 2024, nuclear energy and wind power saw a positive increase, while hydropower decreased slightly. However, in 2025, hydropower rebounded strongly with an addition of 4.4 TWh, even though there was a notable reduction in nuclear energy generation by 2.2 TWh. The upward trend continued in 2026, driven by a substantial boost in hydropower. While nuclear energy saw minor dips, the potential for its expansion remains significant. Encouraging further development in these sectors represents a valuable strategy for Washington to sustain its leadership in clean electricity generation well into the 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.