In 2025, West Virginia relied predominantly on fossil fuels for its electricity supply, with coal alone contributing almost 87% of the total production. Gas added another 6%, bringing the total share of fossil energy to more than 93%. Low-carbon electricity sources accounted for less than 7%, with wind being the primary contributor at nearly 4% and hydropower providing close to 2.5%. The extensive reliance on fossil fuels, especially coal, highlights a significant opportunity to transition towards more sustainable energy options, which would considerably benefit the state's environmental footprint.

Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in West Virginia?

West Virginia's electricity consumption has been on an upward trend. In 2025, the state reached a new high of 30,512 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record in 2023 by 953 kWh. Unfortunately, while overall electricity consumption grew, low-carbon electricity generation experienced a slight decline. In 2025, low-carbon generation stood at 2,058 kWh per person, decreasing by 18 kWh compared to the previous high in 2023. The disparity between the growth of total electricity consumption and the stagnation in low-carbon generation is concerning, as the need for clean electricity becomes more crucial for future energy needs and combating climate change.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, West Virginia can take several lessons from regions that have successfully expanded their clean energy portfolio. The state can look towards the successful wind energy implementations in states like Iowa and South Dakota, which generate about 58% of their electricity from wind. Additionally, nuclear energy expansion could further enhance clean energy production, as demonstrated by countries like France, where nuclear accounts for 67% of electricity generation. Solar power is another viable option, with states like Nevada achieving 34% electricity generation from this source. By embracing these sustainable energy sources, West Virginia could significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a more balanced and sustainable energy mix.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in West Virginia, changes in generation have been relatively minor. In 2024, both hydropower and wind saw slight declines, with reductions of 0.2 TWh and 0.1 TWh, respectively, and biofuels remained unchanged. The trend carried into 2025, with hydropower again decreasing by 0.1 TWh, while wind generation held steady. These stagnant or declining trends for clean energy sources are concerning and highlight the need for more robust strategies to increase low-carbon electricity generation. It is crucial for West Virginia to take proactive measures to boost these clean energy sources and avoid the pitfalls of reliance on fossil fuels.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade