Electricity in Washington, D.C. in 2025
In 2025, electricity consumption in Washington, D.C. is largely dependent on imports, with more than 95% of its electricity being imported. Low-carbon energy sources contribute a small portion, standing at almost 4%, with solar power accounting for a notable subset of this at over 3%. This includes solar generated by behind-the-meter (BTM) installations, which constitute nearly 3% of the total electricity consumption. These figures highlight a strong reliance on external sources for electricity needs, demonstrating a pressing need for D.C. to increase its local generation of clean electricity to enhance energy security and support environmental goals.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Washington, D.C.?
Electricity consumption per person in Washington, D.C. has recently reached a new peak. The 2025 figure, at about 16,340 kWh per person, marks a growth of over 500 kWh compared to the previous record set in 2024, indicating a rising demand for electricity. Moreover, the city's low-carbon electricity generation has increased from the previous year, now reaching 614 kWh per person, up from the 2024 figure. This demonstrates a growing yet still limited contribution from clean energy sources. Given the increasing demand, the expansion of low-carbon electricity generation is crucial for the district to progress toward sustainable energy use and mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuels like climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To accelerate the shift towards low-carbon electricity, Washington, D.C. can draw inspiration from leading regions in clean energy. For example, Nevada and California have substantial portions of their electricity generated from solar power, while New Hampshire and Illinois efficiently utilize nuclear energy. Adopting similar strategies could bolster D.C.'s clean energy production and provide a stable, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy supply. Investing in solar infrastructure and advocating for the integration of advanced nuclear reactors can help D.C. reduce its reliance on imports and move toward a more sustainable energy future.
History
Historically, the generation of low-carbon electricity in Washington, D.C. has seen minimal change. In recent years, there have been no significant shifts in the generation of biofuels, as indicated by the data for both 2024 and 2025. This stagnation in diversifying low-carbon sources beyond solar highlights an area for potential growth. Emphasizing the expansion of clean energy sources such as solar and nuclear power is paramount for meeting the growing electricity demand and enhancing the city’s energy independence and resilience.
