Electricity in Washington, D.C. in 2025
In 2025, the state of electricity consumption in Washington, D.C. shows a significant dependency on electricity imports, with net imports accounting for almost 96% of the total electricity supply. This leaves only a small fraction generated within the city itself, with low-carbon electricity contributing just under 4% to the total consumption. Among the low-carbon sources, solar power takes the lead, providing more than 3% of the electricity. However, solar installations behind-the-meter (BTM) further add close to 3%, undoubtedly making solar energy the predominant form of low-carbon electricity within the district. Unfortunately, this means fossil fuels are still indirectly a major part of the energy mix due to import dependencies, underscoring the need for a strategic shift toward more homegrown, clean energy solutions.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Washington, D.C.?
Electricity consumption per capita in Washington, D.C. is on the rise, with the latest figures for 2025 showing an increase to 16,340 kWh per person, up from the previous record of 15,799 kWh in 2024. This growth represents an increase of 541 kWh per person, indicating a healthy uptick in electricity use, likely driven by factors such as urban development and increasing electrification. Encouragingly, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has also increased to 614 kWh in 2025 from 491 kWh in 2024, a positive change by 123 kWh. These figures reflect progress in local low-carbon development, pointing to both growing energy demand and advancements in clean energy generation, yet more effort is needed to amplify these gains.
Suggestions
Washington, D.C.'s path forward in expanding low-carbon electricity generation can take inspiration from global and regional leaders. France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy respectively contributes 67% and 66% of electricity, offer valuable lessons on establishing a robust nuclear infrastructure. Similarly, the success of states like Iowa and South Dakota, which generate 58% of their electricity from wind, highlights the potential of harnessing wind energy. For solar, California's exemplary production of 31% solar energy provides a model for expanding solar capacity. By targeting advancements in nuclear and solar technologies, D.C. can significantly increase its own low-carbon portfolio, reducing fossil fuel reliance and ensuring cleaner air and a healthier climate.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Washington, D.C. has been largely stagnant, primarily revolving around non-existent changes in biofuel production. There have been no significant advancements, indicating a lack of focus on advancing sustainable electricity options until now. This stagnation over the years highlights the missed opportunities for growth in clean energy infrastructure like solar and nuclear power. As the urgency to move away from fossil fuels becomes clearer due to climate concerns, it’s crucial for Washington, D.C. to innovate aggressively in the clean energy sector. The district's future energy strategy must aggressively pivot towards building a resilient, low-carbon grid to not only meet rising electricity demands but also safeguard environmental health for generations to come.
