Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, Pennsylvania's electricity consumption has predominantly been powered by fossil energy, with fossil energy types contributing more than half of the state's electricity at 65.35%. Natural gas is the primary fossil energy source, making up almost 59% of the total electricity consumption, while coal accounts for a smaller portion at nearly 7%. Low-carbon electricity, contributing roughly a third of the total, includes substantial nuclear energy generation, accounting for 30% of the total, and a minor share from wind and solar at around 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively. While Pennsylvania relies heavily on fossil fuels, its commitment to low-carbon sources is evident but leaves room for enhancement, especially in diversifying and increasing clean energy contributions.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Pennsylvania?
The latest data from 2025 shows that electricity consumption in Pennsylvania has risen with per person consumption figures reaching 18,975 kWh, surpassing the previous high of 18,592 kWh recorded in 2021. This increase indicates a strong growth trend in electricity usage, reflecting possibly rising demands and electrification efforts in the state. However, there is a concerning decrease in low-carbon electricity generation, with current levels at 6,503 kWh per person, which falls short by 788 kWh compared to the 2018 high of 7,291 kWh per person. This decrease in low-carbon electricity, despite the overall consumption growth, highlights a critical area where Pennsylvania needs to focus its efforts to support a sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity strategy.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Pennsylvania should focus on expanding existing nuclear infrastructure, as it is already a significant contributor to electricity generation in the state. Learning from successful nuclear-powered regions like France, which sees 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy, or states like Illinois where nuclear contributes over half, could provide valuable insights. Additionally, enhancing solar power capacity is crucial, taking inspiration from regions like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar accounts for about 30% of their electricity. Increasing investment and supportive policies for these technologies could position Pennsylvania at the forefront of clean energy innovation, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to global goals for reducing climate change impacts.
History
Historically, Pennsylvania’s low-carbon electricity generation has seen various fluctuations, especially in nuclear and hydroelectric power. In the early 2000s, there were periods of decline, notably in 2005 and 2009, with nuclear generation decreasing. However, the state experienced growth in nuclear power in 2007, 2013, and 2016, reflecting efforts to stabilize and expand this reliable energy source. While wind energy made modest contributions in the 2010s, with slight gains in 2010 and 2013, the period from 2020 onwards shows worrying declines in nuclear output, including a significant drop in 2020. These fluctuations underscore the urgency for dedicated enhancement and expansion strategies in Pennsylvania’s nuclear and solar sectors to ensure consistent and sustainable growth in low-carbon electricity generation.
