From September 2024 to August 2025, Washington's electricity consumption has been characterized predominantly by low-carbon energy sources, with these clean types contributing more than three-quarters of the total electricity. Hydropower is the largest single contributor, accounting for more than half of the electricity consumption at 61%, while wind, nuclear, and solar collectively make up nearly a fifth of the electricity mix. In sharp contrast, fossil fuel sources contribute about one-fifth of the total electricity, with gas-powered generation making up the bulk at around 17%. Coal provides a small portion, close to 3%, and electricity from biofuels is close to none, rounding out the low-carbon mix. This demonstrates Washington's strong commitment to generating electricity through low-carbon means, though there is room for growth in solar and nuclear energy contributions.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Washington?
Despite this reliance on clean energy, overall electricity consumption in Washington has seen a significant decrease. The latest consumption figure stands at approximately 12,843 kWh per person, which is a substantial drop from the peak figure recorded in 2006, marking a decrease of over 4,000 kWh per person. Similarly, the contribution from low-carbon electricity has also fallen: it currently stands at 10,200 kWh per person, compared to the peak of over 15,000 in 2012. This decrease is concerning in the context of a world that is increasingly moving toward electrification and higher electricity demands driven by new technologies like AI. In response, Washington must focus on increasing overall electricity production, particularly from clean energy sources, to ensure a sustainable and reliable electricity supply in the future.
Suggestions
To further bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Washington could look toward regions and countries that have successfully increased their clean energy outputs. For example, France and Slovakia have remarkably high nuclear contributions at 70% and 66%, respectively, and Iowa leads with 60% of its electricity coming from wind. Moreover, Nevada and Lebanon have made significant strides by generating about 33% and 31% of their electricity from solar, respectively. By expanding solar and nuclear capacities, Washington could enhance its clean energy framework, securing a larger, more sustainable electricity reserve. Adopting and adapting these successful strategies could help Washington better meet the electrical demands of the future and mitigate the adverse effects of fossil fuel-based power generation.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Washington has seen fluctuations, particularly in the realms of hydro and nuclear power. The early years of the 21st century displayed some inconsistency, especially with nuclear power, which faced several declines despite some years of recovery. For instance, in 2009 and 2011, nuclear contributions diminished by over 2 TWh. However, this was offset partially by gains in other years. The reliance on hydroelectric power has faced variability as well, with sharp decreases in some years, such as a significant drop in 2013. Despite notable increases in some years, such as 2020, achieving stability in the contribution from these sources has remained elusive. Thus, while Washington continues to benefit from its natural resources, diversifying and expanding toward more nuclear and solar energy could help stabilize and increase low-carbon electricity output.
