Over the past year, from April 2025 to March 2026, Colorado's electricity consumption has been predominantly sourced from fossil fuels and low-carbon energy. Slightly less than half of its electricity, specifically about 47%, was generated from fossil sources, with natural gas contributing nearly a third and coal making up almost 18%. Despite this reliance on fossil fuels, Colorado made significant strides in clean energy, with low-carbon sources like wind and solar collectively accounting for around 44% of the total. Wind energy, leading the clean charge, provided over a quarter of the electricity, while solar energy followed closely, contributing about 13%. Hydropower made a modest contribution of just over 3%, rounding off the state's clean electricity spectrum.

Is Electricity Growing in Colorado?

In terms of electricity consumption trends, Colorado has witnessed a slight decline. The average electricity consumption per person in 2026 dropped to 10,686 kWh from the previous year's record of 10,731 kWh. While this decrease might initially suggest a stagnation, it's significant to note that the contribution of low-carbon electricity per person has seen a noteworthy increase. The state has reached a new high with an increase of 168 kWh per person for low-carbon electricity, up from 4,494 kWh the previous year. This growth in clean electricity is a positive indicator and emphasizes the state's commitment to sustainable energy, although more comprehensive measures are needed to shift completely towards low-carbon sources.

Suggestions

To further accelerate the adoption of low-carbon electricity in Colorado, an expansion of wind and solar infrastructures would be prudent. Drawing lessons from successful states like South Dakota and Iowa, where wind accounts for over half of their electricity generation, Colorado could boost its wind capacity. Solar energy too has been thriving in regions like Nevada and California, contributing around 30% of electricity—Colorado could aim for similar targets. Moreover, exploring nuclear energy, which has been a cornerstone of clean electricity in countries like France and Slovakia, and states like South Carolina and Illinois, might provide a reliable and substantial boost to Colorado's clean energy portfolio. Embracing a diverse low-carbon approach would not only reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels but also position it as a leader in sustainable electricity generation.

History

Historically, wind has been the champion of low-carbon electricity growth in Colorado, particularly in recent years. In 2024, the state saw an increase of approximately 1.5 TWh in wind electricity. However, in 2025, there was a minor dip, with wind generation decreasing by 0.5 TWh, a drop that should be addressed urgently. Hydropower has only shown incremental growth with slight increases over the years, contributing an extra 0.1 and 0.2 TWh in 2024 and 2026 respectively. Biofuels have remained constant without any significant increase, marking a stagnant trend in this low-carbon source. These trends underline the necessity for swift and decisive action to bolster wind and potentially explore other clean and stable electricity sources like solar and nuclear, ensuring Colorado's transition to a robust, low-carbon electricity future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.