In 2025, fossil fuels supplied almost two-thirds of Alaska’s electricity consumption: gas accounted for about 37%, oil for 15%, and coal for 12%. Low-carbon sources supplied almost a third, led by hydropower at roughly 28%, with wind contributing about 2%. Net imports accounted for another 4%; their source mix is not specified, so they should not automatically be classified as clean electricity. Alaska therefore remains heavily dependent on fossil electricity, with substantial scope to expand low-carbon generation and reduce climate-changing emissions and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in Alaska?

Alaska’s electricity consumption per person has not surpassed its previous peak. In 2025, it stood at about 9,100 kWh per person—69 kWh, or less than 1%, below the 2023 record. Low-carbon electricity generation per person, however, reached a new high of about 2,800 kWh, exceeding its previous 2023 record by 137 kWh, or roughly 5%. That clean-electricity growth is encouraging, although consumption remaining below its peak warrants attention as electrification and AI create additional electricity demand. These per-person figures alone do not establish whether Alaska’s total electricity consumption is growing.

Suggestions

Alaska can build on its hydropower foundation by expanding wind and solar generation and considering nuclear electricity. Finland is a particularly relevant northern example: nuclear supplies 38% of its electricity and wind another 25%, demonstrating how these clean sources can contribute together. Sweden likewise generates about a quarter of its electricity from each of nuclear and wind. For solar, Alaska can draw lessons from northern regions such as Estonia, where solar supplies 15%, and the US state of Maine, where it supplies 18%. These shares are useful examples rather than direct targets: Alaska should assess local resources and grid needs while pursuing solar installations, well-sited wind projects, and nuclear options that support reliable growth in low-carbon electricity.

History

The available history covers only 2024 and 2025. Hydropower generation declined by 0.1 TWh in 2024, a disappointing setback, then increased by the same amount in 2025, recovering that loss. Wind and biofuel electricity generation recorded no year-to-year change in either year. Across this short period, the reported sources therefore show recovery rather than sustained net expansion. Alaska should aim to turn that recovery into lasting clean-electricity growth, especially through new solar, wind, and nuclear generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade