From September 2025 through August 2026, Washington, D.C. relied on net imports for almost 95% of its electricity consumption. Local low-carbon generation supplied about 4.6%, mostly solar, which accounted for roughly 4.2% of consumption. Behind-the-meter solar, such as rooftop systems, contributed 3.8% and is included in that solar total, not additional to it. The remaining roughly 0.7% came from local fossil-fuel generation. Because the sources of imported electricity are not specified, these figures do not establish the low-carbon or fossil-fuel share of D.C.’s overall electricity supply.

Is Electricity Growing in Washington, D.C.?

Electricity consumption is growing modestly: the latest 2026 figure reached about 16,200 kWh per person, around 144 kWh, or 0.9%, above the previous record set in 2025. Local low-carbon electricity generation grew faster, reaching about 750 kWh per person—an increase of 73 kWh, or nearly 11%, over its 2025 record. These are encouraging new highs, although the figures measure growth per person rather than changes in total district-wide consumption. Continued clean electricity growth can help meet demand from electrification and AI.

Suggestions

Washington, D.C. can increase local low-carbon generation by expanding rooftop and parking-canopy solar on homes, businesses and public buildings. The US states of New Jersey and Maryland offer geographically relevant nuclear examples, generating about a third and a fifth of their electricity from nuclear, respectively; nearby Virginia generates about 17%. D.C. can support expanded regional nuclear generation through long-term electricity purchasing agreements and cooperation with these neighboring states. For solar, the US state of California generates about 30% of its electricity from this source, demonstrating the scope for substantial deployment. Regional wind procurement can complement solar and nuclear, drawing lessons from places such as Denmark, where wind supplies nearly 60% of electricity generation. Together, these approaches can expand clean electricity supply and displace fossil-fuel generation, reducing climate emissions and air pollution.

History

The available historical data cover only biofuel electricity generation from 2024 through 2026. Across those three years, the reported annual change was zero TWh, indicating no recorded growth or decline at the precision provided. This shows a stable contribution rather than an expanding one, but does not reveal the amount generated. These limited records cannot establish the broader history of D.C.’s low-carbon electricity or its solar growth; they underline the importance of tracking progress as the district expands clean electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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