In 2025, Utah's electricity landscape shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with almost three-quarters (about 75%) of its electricity deriving from these sources. Coal contributes almost half, around 46%, while natural gas provides approximately 29%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources contribute about 22% of the electricity mix. Among these, solar power stands out, accounting for nearly 17%, with the majority coming from utility-scale installations. Smaller contributions come from wind (2%), hydropower (1.7%), and geothermal (1.2%). This indicates that while low-carbon sources are growing, fossil fuels still dominate Utah's electricity sector.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Utah?
Electricity consumption per person in Utah has experienced growth, and in 2025 it reached a new high of 11,116 kWh per person. This new record surpasses the previous peak of 10,882 kWh per person in 2024, indicating an increase of 234 kWh per person. Similarly, the low-carbon electricity share is also on the rise, achieving a generation of 2,483 kWh per person in 2025, up by 104 compared to the previous year. The increase in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is a promising sign of progress toward achieving sustainable energy targets in the state.
Suggestions
To bolster Utah's low-carbon electricity generation, expanding existing solar capacity is crucial, given its current substantial contribution. By taking inspiration from other regions with successful clean energy initiatives, Utah could consider incorporating nuclear power alongside its solar expansion efforts. For instance, France and Slovakia rely heavily on nuclear energy for over 66% of their electricity, showcasing the potential of this energy source. Additionally, states like Iowa and South Dakota have successfully harnessed wind power to generate over 58% of their electricity. Utah could look to these examples to diversify its green energy mix, pursuing solar, wind, and nuclear energy for a sustainable future.
History
In terms of historical trends, Utah's low-carbon electricity generation has shown steady, albeit modest, growth. While the recent slight increase in wind power by 0.1 TWh in both 2024 and 2025 is encouraging, other sources like hydro and geothermal have remained stagnant, with close to zero change over these years. The notable decline in hydropower by 0.1 TWh in 2025 is a matter of concern, highlighting the need for strategic investments and innovations in clean energy to ensure a robust mix that minimizes environmental impact. This historical context underscores the importance of pushing forward with more aggressive low-carbon initiatives to fulfill Utah's potential in sustainable energy.
