Over the past 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, Idaho's electricity consumption has been characterized by a noteworthy composition of energy sources. Low-carbon electricity accounted for almost half of the total consumption, standing at 48.21%. Within this category, hydropower played a significant role, contributing approximately 30%, while wind energy added an additional 10.66% and solar energy contributed 5.26%. Biofuels, which round out the low-carbon category, added a modest 1.72%. Fossil energy sources, notably gas, supplied 20.9% of electricity. Additionally, Idaho relied on net imports for almost a third of its electricity, at 30.69%, highlighting the state's dependence on external sources to meet its energy needs.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Idaho?
Despite Idaho's efforts to integrate more low-carbon sources, overall electricity consumption has not shown an upward trend. The latest data from 2025 indicate an average consumption of 13,866 kWh per person, a decline from the 2007 peak of 16,614 kWh per person, marking a reduction of 2,748 kWh per person. Low-carbon electricity generation has also decreased; the latest figures reveal 6,685 kWh per person, significantly lower than the 2011 record of 9,656 kWh per person, showing a decline of 2,970 kWh per person. This decline in consumption and generation is concerning, especially as demand for electricity is expected to rise with growing electrification and technological advancements.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Idaho could consider expanding existing wind energy projects, given their substantial contribution to current energy production. Similar regions, such as Iowa and South Dakota, have achieved impressive wind energy generation levels at 60% and 57%, respectively, and could serve as models for Idaho. Furthermore, looking towards regions like Nevada, where solar energy accounts for 30% of electricity generation, Idaho might consider increasing its solar capacity. Additionally, Idaho could learn from countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy provides a dominant share of electricity, at 69% and 67%, respectively. Incorporating a greater share of nuclear and solar power could help Idaho enhance the resilience and sustainability of its electricity grid.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Idaho reveals various changes, particularly in hydropower and wind energy. In the mid-2000s to 2010s, hydropower showed some fluctuations, with notable increases such as a 2.7 TWh rise in 2006 and a 4.3 TWh spike in 2011, despite experiencing declines of similar magnitudes in other years. Wind energy saw positive development starting in 2011, with incremental gains, although there was a setback with a 0.5 TWh drop in 2015. Recent years have shown a more stable trajectory, with modest increases in both hydropower (0.8 TWh in 2024) and wind (0.7 TWh in 2024). The rise of solar energy, evidenced by a 0.5 TWh increase in 2025, indicates a promising new direction for Idaho's clean energy future.
