Over the past 12 months, from September 2024 to August 2025, New Mexico has shown a promising distribution in electricity generation sources. More than half of the electricity consumed, approximately 56%, comes from low-carbon sources such as wind and solar. Specifically, wind energy contributes almost 38%, solar accounts for about 17%, with utility solar providing nearly 15% and rooftop solar adding close to 2%. On the other hand, fossil fuels supply nearly 45% of the state's electricity, split between gas at approximately 26% and coal at around 18%. This clearly shows New Mexico's growing commitment to clean energy sources, which play a crucial role in reducing the negative impacts associated with fossil fuel consumption, like climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in New Mexico?
Examining the trends in electricity consumption reveals that New Mexico's recent electricity usage is experiencing a decline. As of 2025, electricity consumption reached 17,861 kWh per person, which is a decrease of 1,760 kWh from the previous record in 2022, when it was 19,620 kWh per person. Despite the overall reduction in usage, there is a silver lining with the increase in low-carbon electricity generation. The state set a new record for clean energy in 2025, producing approximately 9,935 kWh per person, an increase of 346 kWh compared to the 2024 figure. This increase in low-carbon electricity generation is a positive development, signaling a shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly energy systems in the region.
Suggestions
To further augment low-carbon electricity generation, New Mexico can expand its existing wind and solar capacity, given their substantial share in the current energy mix. Looking at successful regions, Iowa and South Dakota have achieved remarkable outcomes with wind energy, contributing around 60% and 57% of their electricity, respectively. New Mexico can draw inspiration from these successes to leverage its wind resources efficiently. Additionally, adopting strategies from Nevada and California, which have substantial solar contributions at 33% and 29% respectively, can help bolster New Mexico’s solar output. Furthermore, exploring the potential for nuclear energy, as seen in regions like France and Illinois where nuclear accounts for more than half of their electricity, could provide a steady, reliable source of clean power, contributing to New Mexico's sustainable energy future.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in New Mexico, the early 2000s marked a steady rise in wind energy. From 2005 to 2011, there was a consistent albeit modest increment, with annual additions ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 TWh. The wind energy landscape witnessed significant enhancements from 2016 through 2022, with 2016 marking a substantial increase of 1.5 TWh and 2021 reaching an impressive jump of 3.4 TWh. Solar energy began its expansion in 2012 with an addition of 0.2 TWh, while hydroelectric generation remained relatively stable, experiencing a slight decrease in 2013 and again in 2025. Unfortunately, 2025 saw a setback in wind electricity with a reduction of 0.7 TWh, indicating the need for renewed focus and investment to sustain the momentum of growth in clean energy generation.
