Washington already gets almost 87% of its electricity from low-carbon sources—a major achievement. Over the 12 months from July 2025 through June 2026, hydropower supplied roughly two-thirds of its electricity, nuclear nearly 9%, wind about 8%, and solar just over 1%. Fossil fuels accounted for about 13%, predominantly gas at almost 12%, with coal contributing less than 2%. Washington is also a significant net electricity exporter, helping neighboring regions lower their emissions. Its next challenge is to electrify transport, heating, and industry, which will require much more clean electricity.

Is Electricity Growing in Washington?

Electricity consumption is growing: the latest 2026 figure reached about 14,000 kWh per person, exceeding the previous record of roughly 13,200 kWh in 2023 by 871 kWh, or about 7%. Low-carbon electricity generation also reached a new high of approximately 12,100 kWh per person, around 1,635 kWh above the 2025 record of about 10,500 kWh—a gain of nearly 16%. These records are encouraging: clean electricity generation is expanding strongly as Washington prepares for greater demand from electrification and AI.

Suggestions

Washington can build on this progress by expanding solar generation and considering additional nuclear capacity alongside its substantial hydropower supply. More rooftop and utility-scale solar would broaden its clean electricity mix, while expanded nuclear generation could provide additional dependable low-carbon electricity throughout the year. Investment in transmission, storage, and grid upgrades would help deliver this growing supply to consumers and neighboring regions. Planning ahead for transport, heating, industry, and data-center demand can turn Washington’s clean-electricity leadership into sustained growth.

History

From 2024 through 2026, hydropower drove the largest changes in Washington’s low-carbon electricity generation: a modest decline of 0.7 TWh in 2024 was followed by gains of 4.4 TWh in 2025 and 10.9 TWh in 2026. Nuclear generation increased by 1.5 TWh in 2024 and rebounded by 2 TWh in 2026, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong output from this clean electricity source. Wind added 1.3 TWh in 2024, eased by 0.3 TWh in 2025, and grew slightly in 2026. Biofuels, also counted as low-carbon, declined by 0.2 TWh in 2024 and remained unchanged over the next two years. Overall, the substantial recent gains—especially in hydropower and nuclear—provide a strong foundation for further clean electricity expansion.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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