West Virginia's electricity consumption in 2025 is heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Over nine-tenths of the electricity generated comes from fossil fuels, with coal alone contributing close to nine-tenths and gas contributing a bit over six percent. Low-carbon energy sources account for a small portion of electricity generation, about seven percent, with wind making up almost four percent and hydropower contributing just over two percent of the total electricity mix. The current reliance on fossil energy underscores a significant opportunity for West Virginia to pivot towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and combat the detrimental effects of climate change and air pollution.

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

Is Electricity Growing in West Virginia?

West Virginia has seen a growth in electricity consumption overall, with the latest average per-person consumption in 2025 reaching over 30,500 kWh, marking an increase of nearly 1,000 kWh from the previous record in 2023. However, there has been a slight decline in per-person low-carbon electricity generation, seeing a reduction of almost 20 kWh per person compared to the 2023 figures. While the overall electricity consumption increase is a positive sign of growth, the stagnant or declining share of clean energy is concerning. West Virginia must enhance its low-carbon generation to meet future demands and support a sustainable energy transition.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, West Virginia could look to regions that have successfully expanded their clean energy sectors. For instance, states like Iowa and South Dakota generate over half of their electricity from wind, highlighting its potential as a valuable resource. Unlike any other region, countries like France and Slovakia derive almost two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear energy, emphasizing the role of nuclear power as a stable and substantial low-carbon source. West Virginia could benefit from expanding its wind capacity while seriously considering the development of nuclear power plants, learning from these regions' strategies and successes to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase clean energy output.

History

Historically, West Virginia has made strides and faced setbacks in its low-carbon electricity generation. In recent years, particularly in 2024 and 2025, there have been slight declines in hydropower and wind contributions, with a reduction of around 0.1 TWh in both sectors. These changes highlight the need for continued investment and innovation in the low-carbon energy landscape to overcome challenges and sustain progress. As the world moves towards a clean energy future, ensuring stable and increasing low-carbon electricity generation should be a priority for the state to foster economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade