In 2025, fossil fuels dominate electricity consumption in Utah, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total. Coal-fired plants generate a little less than half of the state's electricity, while gas provides just under 30%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources contribute around a fifth of Utah's electricity. Solar energy, primarily from utility-scale installations, constitutes the largest share of low-carbon energy at about 17%, and wind, hydro, and geothermal collectively make up approximately 5% of electricity generation. Net imports, representing a small fraction, round out the electricity consumption landscape in Utah.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Utah?
Recent data suggests that electricity consumption in Utah is on the rise. As of 2025, the average electricity use per person has increased to 11,116 kWh, up from the prior record of 10,882 kWh in 2024, marking an increase of 234 kWh. Additionally, there is progress in low-carbon electricity generation, which has grown to 2,483 kWh per person, compared to the previous peaks. This positive trajectory indicates a 104 kWh increase per person in just one year, reflecting a shift towards cleaner electricity sources. However, to further meet the growing demands and to ensure a sustainable future, Utah needs more rapid expansion in low-carbon electricity generation.
Suggestions
Utah can increase its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its existing solar capacities, which already contribute significantly to the state's clean energy portfolio. Other regions offer valuable lessons — states like Nevada and California, where solar accounts for 34% and 31% of their electricity respectively, exemplify the potential scaling of solar energy. Moreover, Utah should consider the development of nuclear energy, learning from countries such as France and Slovakia, where over half of their electricity comes from nuclear sources. By looking to states like New Hampshire and South Carolina that have integrated nuclear power successfully, Utah can embrace nuclear as a viable option to help reduce dependency on fossil fuels, fostering a more sustainable, low-carbon future.
History
A look into Utah's recent history shows a relatively static involvement in low-carbon energy sources such as wind, biofuels, hydro, and geothermal over the last couple of years. In 2024, wind energy saw a modest increase of 0.1 TWh, with no changes in other low-carbon sectors like biofuels, hydro, and geothermal. The following year, 2025, mirrored similar trends; wind achieved a 0.1 TWh increase, while hydro experienced a slight decrease of 0.1 TWh, and other sectors remained unchanged. These patterns underscore the urgent need for strategic investments in expanding both solar and nuclear energy capacities to ensure continuous growth and innovation in Utah's green electricity landscape.
