Electricity in Washington, D.C. in 2024/2025
Over the course of the last 12 months, spanning from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in Washington, D.C. has exhibited a clear reliance on net imports, which constitute more than 95% of the total electricity supply. This overwhelming dependence on imported electricity points to a minimal domestic generation capacity. The proportion of low-carbon energy, which includes both solar power and net low-carbon contributions, accounts for a fraction of the city’s electricity, with low-carbon sources collectively contributing slightly more than 3% to the overall mix. Solar energy, which also includes behind-the-meter (BTM) installations on homes and businesses, contributes about 3% on its own, showing a rising but still relatively small footprint compared to the region's total electricity needs.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Washington, D.C.?
As for the progression of electricity consumption in Washington, D.C., there appears to be a decline rather than growth. The latest data from 2025 indicates that the total electricity consumption stands at approximately 16,147 kWh per person. This figure shows a significant reduction of around 3,762 kWh per person compared to the historical peak in 2011 when consumption was at 19,910 kWh per person. However, there is some positive development in the realm of low-carbon electricity. The recent low-carbon output has reached 553 kWh per person, marking an increase of 63 kWh per person compared to the record from the previous year. This suggests that while overall electricity consumption has declined, the push for cleaner energy sources is gaining incremental momentum.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Washington, D.C. can draw lessons from successful regions with robust clean energy portfolios. Given the city's urban nature and limited space, a focus on solar can be instructive. States like California and New Jersey have demonstrated the potential of solar energy, with notable shares of their electricity coming from solar sources. Alongside solar, nuclear energy presents a reliable foundation for low-carbon electricity, as exemplified by states such as New Hampshire and South Carolina, where nuclear power accounts for more than half of their electricity production. Replicating such comprehensive strategies in nuclear and solar could significantly aid Washington, D.C. in transitioning towards a greener energy infrastructure.
History
Throughout recent years, the development of low-carbon electricity in Washington, D.C. has been stagnated, particularly in biofuels, which have shown no notable progression since 2016. This stagnant phase highlights a critical need for expansion and diversification in low-carbon energy technologies. The absence of growth in this area over the past decade underscores the urgency for Washington, D.C. to innovate and integrate more solar and nuclear projects into its energy mix. Given the many advantages of nuclear and solar in achieving sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, this transition is not only necessary to combat climate change but vital for fostering energy independence and supporting a growing, electrified economy.
