Between September 2024 and August 2025, Colorado's electricity consumption has seen a notable mix of sources. Fossil fuels remain the dominant source, providing more than half of the electricity, with natural gas and coal contributing nearly equal shares. Specifically, gas accounts for about 27%, while coal is slightly less at 26%. Clean energy sources are also significant, making up almost 42% of the total electricity. Wind power leads the clean energy sector, supplying over a quarter of the state's electricity alone. Solar power contributes around 12%, and hydropower adds nearly 3%. Net imports account for about 6%, indicating that Colorado supplements its local generation with external sources. This diverse energy mix shows a strong presence of clean electricity, even as fossil fuels continue to play a prominent role.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Colorado?
In terms of growth, electricity consumption in Colorado displays a complex pattern. Although the latest per-person electricity consumption is 10,674 kWh, it falls short of the previous high of 11,723 kWh per person recorded in 2006, evidencing a decrease. This represents a decline of about 9%. On a more encouraging note, low-carbon electricity generation has reached a new record high with 4,455 kWh per person, up from its former peak of 4,430 kWh in 2024. This growth in clean electricity underlines a positive trend, albeit modest, towards a greener energy mix. However, the overall stagnation or decrease in total electricity consumption can be a point of concern when striving for sustainable development and meeting increasing future demand.
Suggestions
To further advance low-carbon electricity generation, Colorado should continue to expand its existing wind and solar infrastructure. Looking for inspiration, regions like Iowa, which generates around 60% of its electricity from wind, and Nevada, with approximately 33% from solar, offer valuable lessons for maximizing these resources. Additionally, incorporating nuclear energy into Colorado's electricity mix, similar to states such as Illinois, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, where nuclear power generates more than half of their electricity, could provide a constant and reliable low-carbon backbone. By focusing on these pathways, Colorado can significantly enhance its sustainable electricity generation, addressing both environmental concerns and future energy needs.
History
Historically, Colorado has seen consistent growth in its low-carbon electricity generation, primarily driven by wind and solar. In the early 21st century, wind power began to expand with remarkable peaks in 2008 and 2016, contributing significantly to the clean energy portfolio. Notable annual increases in wind were recorded across years such as 2011, 2013, and 2020, underscoring its crucial role. Solar energy's progress has been most remarkable in the last few years, with significant gains beginning in 2017 and continuing through 2024. Although there was a minor setback in wind generation in 2023, the overall trend has been upward, with solar filling some of the gaps left by fluctuations in wind and hydro. This positive trajectory reflects Colorado's dedication to a more sustainable energy future, energized by continuous advancements in low-carbon technologies.
