Over the period from September 2024 to August 2025, electricity consumption in Colorado has been predominantly driven by fossil energy sources, which account for more than half of the total electricity generation. Specifically, natural gas and coal contribute over 55% combined, with gas slightly edging out coal at around 28% and 27%, respectively. However, there's a notable contribution from low-carbon energy sources, making up almost 41% of the total mix. Wind energy, a significant component within this group, constitutes nearly 29%, while solar and hydropower represent smaller shares, about 9% and 3%, respectively. Additionally, net imports account for close to 4% of the state's electricity. While the current setup indicates a robust presence of clean energy sources, there is still a dependence on fossil fuels that needs addressing to foster a more sustainable energy future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Colorado?
In terms of electricity consumption trends, Colorado has seen a decline when compared to past records. The current electricity consumption stands at 10,041 kWh per person, which is down by 1,200 kWh compared to the record figure from 2007. This decline indicates a slower growth in electricity consumption, raising concerns about the ability to meet future demands. On a brighter note, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a slight uptick, setting a new record of 4,092 kWh per person, just a modest increase of 4 kWh above the previous peak in 2024. Even though this is a positive development, the overall growth remains minimal, signaling a need for strategic initiatives to significantly boost low-carbon energy contributions.
Suggestions
Looking forward, Colorado has significant potential to increase its low-carbon electricity generation, especially through the expansion of wind energy, which already plays a pivotal role. There are valuable lessons to be learned from regions like Iowa and South Dakota, which generate a significant portion of their electricity from wind, with Iowa achieving 60% and South Dakota 57%. In addition, Colorado should consider investing in solar and nuclear energy for diversification and to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. Countries such as France and Slovakia, which have more than half of their electricity generated from nuclear energy, set a benchmark for nuclear expansion. Expanding solar energy, akin to initiatives in Nevada, where solar accounts for 30%, could also be beneficial. By strategically enhancing these existing and potential low-carbon avenues, Colorado can substantially bolster its green electricity portfolio.
History
Historically, Colorado has exhibited notable growth in low-carbon electricity, particularly in wind and solar energy. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, we witnessed wind energy becoming a significant contributor, with major annual increases in wind power observed in 2008, 2011, 2016, and 2020. The early 2020s have continued this trend, albeit with some fluctuations like the slight decline in 2023. In recent years, solar energy has also seen encouraging growth, especially between 2017 and 2024, underscoring its increasing importance. Meanwhile, hydropower has remained relatively stable, with a slight uptick in 2014 post a decline in 2012. This historical trajectory underscores Colorado's potential and resilience in fostering clean energy, and it's imperative to amplify these efforts to tackle future electricity needs sustainably.
