Over the period from June 2024 to May 2025, New Mexico's electricity consumption has been balanced between clean energy sources and fossil fuels. Low-carbon electricity sources, spearheaded by wind and solar, contribute 52% to the overall electricity generation. Wind energy dominates this category, providing more than a third of the state's electricity, while solar contributes a respectable share of over 13%. Fossil fuels are still substantial in the state's energy mix, accounting for 47% of electricity generation. Natural gas leads among fossil fuels at just over 28%, followed by coal, which represents nearly a fifth of the electricity generation. This mix highlights New Mexico's ongoing efforts to transition towards greener energy solutions while still relying on significant fossil fuel resources.
Is Electricity Growing in New Mexico?
Despite the growth in low-carbon electricity generation in New Mexico, overall electricity consumption has not yet surpassed previous highs. The latest figures for 2025 show an electricity consumption of 18,127 kWh per person, down from the 2009 peak of 19,479 kWh per person. However, New Mexico is making notable advancements in clean energy; with individuals consuming an average of 9,428 kWh of low-carbon electricity, a modest increase from the previous year's record. While the total consumption may have decreased, this rise in clean energy consumption indicates a successful shift towards sustainable energy sources which should be further encouraged to meet future demand.
Suggestions
To continue boosting clean energy production, New Mexico can expand its wind and solar infrastructure, capitalizing on its existing capacity and geographical advantages. Drawing lessons from regions like Iowa and South Dakota, which generate 60% or more of their electricity from wind, New Mexico could follow their model to amplify its own wind energy production. Additionally, embracing nuclear energy could further diversify and stabilize its clean energy mix. States like Connecticut and New Hampshire, along with nuclear-dependent countries such as France and Slovakia, demonstrate the invaluable contribution nuclear energy makes towards sustainable electricity generation. By adopting a strategic approach towards enhancing both solar and nuclear energy capacities, New Mexico will not only meet but potentially exceed its clean electricity goals.
History
Historically, New Mexico's journey towards low-carbon electricity has seen significant milestones, especially in wind energy. During the early 2000s, wind energy began its upward trajectory with modest increases, but it wasn't until the mid-2010s that substantial growth took root, notably with a 1.5 TWh increase in 2016. By the early 2020s, the acceleration continued with remarkable leaps, peaking with a 3.9 TWh increase in 2022. Solar energy too saw expansions, particularly noted in 2024 with a substantial 1.7 TWh increase, reinforcing the state's commitment to clean energy. However, the recent downturn in wind energy in 2025, with a slight decrease, suggests the need for renewed focus and investment in sustaining and expanding the momentum in these vital low-carbon sources. Overall, these historical trends highlight the critical importance of strategic planning to ensure consistent growth of clean electricity in New Mexico.