Washington's electricity consumption demonstrates a noteworthy commitment to clean energy, with more than 86% of its electricity derived from low-carbon sources. This achievement underscores Washington's leadership in reducing the carbon footprint of its electricity sector. As of the past year, from July 2025 to June 2026, hydropower continues to be the predominant source, contributing almost 68% to the state's electricity mix. Notably, fossil fuels make up less than 14% of the electricity generation, with gas being the principal contributor at around 12%. Washington's ability to export clean electricity also helps neighboring states curb their own emissions, making clean energy an integral tool in regional climate strategies. Moving forward, Washington's next challenge involves scaling up electricity production to support electrification in domains like transport, heating, and industry, areas still reliant on fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Washington?

There is encouraging growth in electricity consumption per capita in Washington, indicating increased demand and potential economic dynamism. The recent figure of 14,041 kWh per person in 2026 represents a notable increase from the 2023 record of 13,170 kWh per person, signaling an increase of 871 kWh. Additionally, low-carbon electricity is climbing impressively, with a per-person output of 12,145 kWh in 2026. This marks an improvement of 1,635 kWh compared to the 2025 record. Such increases underline Washington’s successful investment in clean, low-carbon electricity generation, further cementing its role as a leader in sustainable energy.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Washington can strategically expand its nuclear and solar capabilities. While hydropower provides a robust backbone for clean electricity, diversifying the energy mix with additional nuclear power plants will ensure a steady, reliable supply, particularly during periods of lower water availability. Expanding solar power presents opportunities to harness abundant daylight, further cutting down on fossil fuel reliance. These initiatives offer a path to meet the growing electricity demands of a future increasingly reliant on electrification, combatting the dual challenges of climate change and air pollution.

History

Historically, Washington has seen dynamic changes in low-carbon electricity production. In the mid-2020s, there were notable fluctuations, particularly in nuclear and hydroelectric power. In 2024, increases in nuclear and wind power by 1.5 and 1.3 TWh respectively were encouraging. Although there was a slight dip in hydropower by 0.7 TWh that year, this was followed by growth in 2025 and a substantial increase by 10.9 TWh in 2026. Despite a small decline in nuclear power in 2025, it bounced back with an additional 2 TWh in 2026, demonstrating resilience and importance within Washington's clean energy strategy. In the face of fluctuating hydropower outputs, the consistency shown by nuclear power solidifies its valuable contribution to Washington’s low-carbon portfolio.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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