In 2025, electricity consumption in Pennsylvania exhibited a predominant reliance on fossil sources, with more than half of the electricity generated from gas, accounting for around 58%. In addition to gas, coal supply added a smaller share of roughly 7%, culminating in an overall fossil electricity dependency of 65%. On the flip side, low-carbon sources demonstrated significant contributions, totaling about 34% of the electricity generation. Nuclear power was the dominant clean energy source, generating almost a third of Pennsylvania's electricity, whereas wind and solar energy made rather modest contributions, each comprising about 1% of the total electricity mix.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Pennsylvania?
Electricity consumption in Pennsylvania is on an upward trend, as evidenced by the increased per capita use of 18,979 kWh in 2025, a notable improvement from the previous high of 18,539 kWh per person in 2024, marking a growth of 440 kWh per person. However, this increase in consumption is not limited to total electricity but also reflects a move towards more sustainable energy. Low-carbon electricity per person rose to 6,515 kWh in 2025, a growth of 90 kWh per person compared to the 2024 figures. This progress highlights Pennsylvania's continued efforts towards expanding clean energy generation and underscores the critical importance of increasing clean energy investments in the face of growing electricity demands.
Suggestions
To further progress towards a low-carbon electricity future, Pennsylvania could benefit from expanding its nuclear capacity, given its existing strength in this area. By learning from other successful regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power constitutes the backbone of their electricity mix with impressive shares exceeding 65%, Pennsylvania can secure energy reliability and minimize environmental impacts. Simultaneously, tapping into solar energy opportunities can be informed by states like California and countries such as Lebanon, which have achieved around 30% solar electricity generation. Wind energy prospects could also be expanded by looking to states such as Kansas and Oklahoma, where wind energy accounts for substantial portions, around 40-50% of the electricity generation mix. These examples provide a blueprint for strategic investments and growth in clean energy infrastructure in Pennsylvania, contributing to further sustainable development and climate action goals.
History
A retrospective glance at Pennsylvania’s low-carbon electricity generation over recent years reveals fluctuations in nuclear power output. In 2024, nuclear electricity showed a slight increase, while 2025 witnessed a small decline of 0.4 TWh. Wind energy showed promise with a growth of 0.3 TWh in 2025, reflecting its potential for further expansion. On the other hand, hydro electricity slightly decreased in both 2024 and 2025, reducing by 0.1 TWh each year. These shifts highlight the urgent need for strategic investments and a focus on boosting nuclear and wind capacities to ensure a stable and increasing trajectory of low-carbon electricity generation in Pennsylvania. Such attention to clean energy expansion is essential for meeting future electricity demands and addressing the environmental and climatic challenges posed by reliance on fossil fuels.
