In Pennsylvania, electricity consumption over the year stretching from June 2024 to May 2025 was primarily derived from fossil fuels, with these sources accounting for approximately 66% of the total electricity generated. Gas was the dominant fossil fuel source, contributing more than half of the total electricity generation at nearly 60%. On the low-carbon front, clean energy sources provided about 34% of the electricity, with nuclear energy being the most significant contributor, representing almost a third of the total electricity generation. In stark contrast, wind and coal each offered only a small fraction of the overall electricity mix, at roughly 1.6% and 5.9%, respectively. This distribution highlights a significant reliance on fossil fuels despite visible efforts to include sustainable sources in the electricity mix.
Is Electricity Growing in Pennsylvania?
Analyzing the latest data suggests that electricity consumption in Pennsylvania is experiencing growth. As of 2025, total electricity usage per person reached 18,992 kWh, surpassing the previous record of 18,627 kWh per person set in 2024 by 365 kWh. However, the figures for low-carbon electricity generation tell a more concerning story. The latest per capita low-carbon electricity generation was 6,440 kWh, a decrease of 818 kWh compared to the record high set in 2018 at 7,258 kWh. This decline in low-carbon electricity generation underlines the need for immediate action to reverse this trend and prioritize sustainable energy sources.
Suggestions
For Pennsylvania to increase its low-carbon electricity generation and transition further away from its reliance on fossil fuels, the state could consider expanding its nuclear capabilities. Nuclear is already a vital component of Pennsylvania's low-carbon energy mix, and successful examples like France, where nuclear accounts for 69% of electricity, and Slovakia at 64%, illustrate its potential. Additionally, embracing solar energy, as Lebanon does with 31% of its electricity from solar, could significantly bolster Pennsylvania's clean energy portfolio. By learning from these regions, Pennsylvania can adopt more holistic and effective approaches to expand its sustainable electricity generation, paving the way for a cleaner future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Pennsylvania shows a fluctuating trajectory, especially regarding nuclear energy. During the early 2000s, Pennsylvania experienced various ups and downs in nuclear electricity production, such as notable declines like the ones in 2005 and 2009, alongside growth spurts observed in 2007 and 2013. Despite these fluctuations, the past decades have shown some signs of steady expansion in the state's wind sector, particularly around 2010 and 2013. However, troubling declines, such as the significant decrease in nuclear generation observed in 2020, highlight the critical need for a committed strategy to stabilize and grow low-carbon electricity sources consistently. Overall, while some advancements have been made, there is substantial room for improvement in Pennsylvania's low-carbon energy journey.