As of the year spanning from June 2024 to May 2025, Colorado's electricity consumption is primarily reliant on fossil energy, with more than half (56.41%) of the electricity produced from these sources. Coal and gas together contribute a significant portion, with coal providing almost a third (28.64%) and gas close to that figure at 27.77%. On the bright side, nearly 40% of Colorado's electricity comes from low-carbon sources. Wind accounts for almost a third (28.55%) of the electricity mix and represents the largest clean energy contributor in Colorado. This is followed by solar at a smaller, yet noteworthy, share of over 8%, and hydropower contributing close to 3%. The remaining share of electricity supply, a modest 3.53%, is net imports. The reliance on fossil fuels suggests an urgent need to transition towards more sustainable low-carbon energy solutions to tackle climate change and air pollution effectively.
Is Electricity Growing in Colorado?
Despite a slight decrease, Colorado's overall electricity consumption has declined since its peak in 2007. Currently, in 2025, the total electricity usage is 10070 kWh per person, which shows a decrease of 1171 kWh per person compared to the all-time high recorded in 2007. This downtrend in consumption might be concerning as it may imply less growth or efficiency in meeting increasing energy demands, especially for electrification and the growth of AI. Notably, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a subtle decline, with the latest numbers at 4026 kWh per person, decreasing by 54 kWh per person from the previous high in 2024. This stagnation, particularly in the low-carbon sector, is worrisome, emphasizing the need for Colorado to enhance its clean energy strategies to ensure a sustainable energy future.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity in Colorado, prioritizing the expansion of wind power, which already has a substantial share, is an excellent stepping stone. Moreover, learning from other regions’ successes in diverse low-carbon technologies could pave the way forward. For instance, Iowa has excelled by powering more than 60% of its electricity from wind, exhibiting the potential for scaling up wind energy. Furthermore, adopting strategies from solar-strong regions like Nevada, where solar contributes 29% to the energy mix, can significantly elevate Colorado's solar capacity. Although not directly applicable yet in Colorado, the notable success of nuclear power in countries like France, where it accounts for 69% of electricity, offers valuable lessons in achieving a substantial low-carbon footprint. Solar and nuclear energy's proven effectiveness underscores their potential as vital contributors to Colorado's clean energy future.
History
Colorado's history in low-carbon electricity generation reflects a promising, albeit fluctuating, trajectory, with significant progress in wind energy. During the 2000s, wind energy saw substantial augmentations, particularly in 2008, 2011, and 2016, with increases of up to 2.5 TWh, driving the green energy sector forward. The past few years, particularly from 2019 to 2022, have demonstrated robust growth in wind energy, with successive annual increases maximizing at 2.5 TWh. Solar energy began its ascent in 2017, with noticeable advancements in recent years, including an increase of 1.2 TWh in 2023, indicating a burgeoning potential. The early 2020s displayed a slight retreat in wind energy generation in 2023, but recent data for 2024 suggests recovery, signaling a step in the right direction. Overall, Colorado's history of low-carbon electricity generation highlights a commendable dedication to sustainable energy, although continued commitment and expansion are essential for sustained growth and significant reductions in fossil fuel reliance.