In 2000 Washington's total per capita energy consumption was 369 million Btu (93 million kcal), ranking it 20th among the 50 states. Transportation's share of the energy consumed has increased steadily, owing to large increases in the number of people, cars, and miles driven per vehicle; declines in the real cost of fuel; and major increases in airplane travel. Transportation consumption is derived almost exclusively from petroleum, which is the major energy source in the state.
Washington has no indigenous sources of petroleum or natural gas, but it does have the largest hydroelectric generation base of any state in the nation, with a net generation capability (utility and nonutility) of 26.1 million kW in 1999. Electric plants in Washington generated 117.1 million kWh in 1999, 83% of that from hydroelectric facilities, which are largely publicly owned and operated. As of 2001, Washington had one nuclear plant, the single-unit Columbia Generating Station in Benton County. Almost all of the 4.3 million tons of coal mined in the state in 2000 were burned to generate electricity. Washington has five petroleum refineries with combined production of 608,000 barrels per day. The state has also been a pioneer in pursuing efficiency as a source of new energy. Significant savings have been captured since 1983.
Washington is one of the beneficiaries of the hydropower system owned by various federal entities and marketed by Bonneville Power Administration. While this results in both low power costs and the lowest power-related air emissions per capita of any state, there are associated responsibilities to ensure protection and preservation of fish.