Over the past twelve months, from July 2025 to June 2026, West Virginia's electricity consumption has been overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, which account for more than 90% of the total production. Coal remains the primary source, contributing over 85%, with gas making up a little more than 7%. In stark contrast, low-carbon electricity forms a comparatively small fraction of the total, at just over 6%. Among the clean energy sources, wind accounts for slightly over 3%, while hydropower contributes around 2%, indicating that the green energy sector has significant room for growth in the state.

Is Electricity Growing in West Virginia?

When examining whether electricity usage is growing in West Virginia, the latest data shows a slight increase in overall electricity consumption, reaching about 30,832 kWh per person in 2026, up from the previous record of 30,512 kWh per person in 2025—an increment of 320 kWh per person. However, the state faces challenges with its low-carbon electricity generation, which decreased to 1,890 kWh per person, falling short of the previous high mark of 2,076 kWh per person set in 2023. This decline of 186 kWh per person in low-carbon generation is concerning in the face of the pressing need to expand clean energy production.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, West Virginia can draw inspiration from regions that have successfully harnessed their clean energy potential. For example, Iowa and South Dakota generate more than half of their electricity from wind energy, demonstrating a strong reliance on this sustainable source. While West Virginia's wind resources are not yet fully tapped, an emphasis on wind farm development could significantly boost electricity from clean sources. Simultaneously, West Virginia should consider the model set by regions like France and South Carolina, where nuclear energy contributes significantly to the grid. Investing in nuclear power could provide a stable and substantial increase in clean energy, helping to reduce the state's dependence on fossil fuels and combat the negative impacts of climate change and air pollution.

History

Historically, West Virginia's low-carbon electricity generation has seen modest changes, with recent years revealing declines. In 2024, the state experienced decreases of 0.2 TWh and 0.1 TWh in hydropower and wind, respectively, with biofuels remaining stable. The trend continued into 2025, with a further reduction in hydropower by 0.1 TWh while wind energy stayed constant. Most concerning is the downturn in 2026 when wind energy reduced by a notable 0.3 TWh while hydropower saw yet another decrease of 0.1 TWh. This series of reductions in green energy output must be addressed to reverse the declining trend and shift towards a more sustainable energy future for West Virginia.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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