Over the past year, from July 2025 to June 2026, Utah's electricity consumption has primarily relied on fossil energy, with more than half coming from these sources. Specifically, coal and gas account for roughly equal shares, around 37% and 35%, respectively, of total electricity consumption. Low-carbon sources contribute a significant portion, making up just over a quarter of the total energy mix. The bulk of this clean energy comes from solar power, primarily utility-scale solar, contributing about 20%. Other low-carbon sources include net imports, hydropower, wind, and geothermal, each accounting for smaller slices of Utah’s energy pie. Although the state has embraced solar, its wind and geothermal production remain relatively minor.

Is Electricity Growing in Utah?

The slight growth in Utah's electricity consumption can be seen in the increase from the previous high of 11,116 kWh per person in 2025 to the recent 11,203 kWh per person in 2026. This growth, albeit modest with a change of 87 kWh, indicates a positive trend. More notably, low-carbon electricity generation reached a new high, with 2,827 kWh per person, marking an impressive increase of 345 kWh over the previous record. This demonstrates a significant commitment to expanding clean energy sources, particularly solar, and indicates the state's ongoing transition towards more sustainable energy sources despite the current heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

Suggestions

To further enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Utah can focus on expanding its already strong solar energy sector. Observing neighbors like Nevada, where solar contributes a considerable 35% of electricity, Utah could implement similar strategies to bolster its solar capacity. Additionally, looking to other regions that excel in nuclear and wind energy could offer valuable insights. France and South Carolina, with their robust nuclear energy infrastructure, serve as examples of how embracing nuclear power can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Iowa and Kansas highlight the vast potential of wind energy. By drawing on these examples and continuing to invest in solar and perhaps nuclear technology, Utah can accelerate its transition to sustainable, clean electricity.

History

In recent years, Utah has seen some incremental changes in its low-carbon electricity landscape. In the mid-2020s, slight gains were made in wind energy, while hydropower experienced minor fluctuations, including a notable increase of 0.2 TWh in 2026. These small advancements reflect a gradual shift towards clean energy, albeit with some setbacks such as a drop in wind energy in 2026. While these numbers underscore the state's progress, the fluctuations also emphasize the need for a more consistent and aggressive approach in expanding low-carbon electricity to ensure sustainable growth.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.