In Montana, over the past year, electricity consumption has relied significantly on both low-carbon and fossil energy sources. From September 2024 to August 2025, more than half of Montana's electricity, approximately 57%, came from low-carbon sources. This includes hydropower, which contributed about a third of the total electricity, and wind energy, providing nearly 22%. Solar, both utility and other forms, played a smaller role, contributing under 3%. On the other hand, fossil energy sources made up about 43% of the electricity generation in Montana. Among these, coal was the dominant source, responsible for nearly 37% of the electricity, with gas and oil contributing the remainder.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Montana?
Despite the encouraging share of low-carbon electricity, Montana's overall electricity consumption has declined significantly over the past years. The latest data shows that the total electricity consumption in 2025 was about 24,700 kWh per person, which is a substantial decrease of about 5,600 kWh per person compared to Montana's highest record in 2008. However, there is a silver lining in the low-carbon sector: Montana achieved its highest per-person low-carbon electricity generation at 13,970 kWh in 2025, up slightly by 74 kWh from its previous record in 2011. This modest increase in clean electricity is a positive step, yet the overall decline in total electricity usage highlights a worrying trend that the state must address to meet future demand.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Montana should focus on expanding existing wind and solar projects given their significant role in the current electricity mix. The state can take inspiration from regions like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind contributes over half of the electricity generation. Moreover, exploring nuclear energy can be a game-changer. Lessons can be drawn from countries like France, where nuclear provides 70% of electricity, and states like Illinois with a 51% share. By leveraging these insights and boosting both solar and wind capacities, Montana can accelerate its transition to a more sustainable and resilient electricity grid.
History
Reflecting on Montana's history of low-carbon electricity, the state has experienced various shifts, notably in hydropower generation. In the early 2000s, there were fluctuations with years of increases such as in 2005 and 2006, followed by decreases. A significant leap occurred in 2011, with a notable 3.2 TWh increase. However, subsequent years saw a mix of ups and downs. Notably, 2020 marked a turning point with the introduction and growth of wind energy, adding new dimensions to Montana's clean electricity portfolio. Wind energy has continued its upward trend through 2024, emphasizing the potential for further expansion to ensure Montana adapts to both current needs and future demands proficiently.
