In the past twelve months, from September 2024 to August 2025, Utah relied significantly on fossil energy for its electricity needs, with coal and gas making up almost three-quarters of the total consumption. Coal accounted for nearly half of this, with gas contributing a little over a quarter. On the other hand, Utah's low-carbon energy sources provided just over a fifth of the electricity, indicating a clear need for transition to cleaner alternatives. Solar power emerged as the most substantial low-carbon source, responsible for nearly a sixth of the state's electricity, mostly from utility-scale installations. Wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy offered minimal contributions, collectively providing close to none of the overall generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Utah?
Despite Utah's heavy reliance on fossil fuels, there's a hint of positive news regarding clean electricity growth. The total electricity consumption in Utah saw a decline from its 2008 peak, moving from 17,491 kWh/person to 11,018 kWh/person, reflecting a significant downturn in overall demand. However, the state's commitment to clean energy is slowly increasing, as evidenced by the record low-carbon electricity generation of 2,425 kWh/person in 2025. This marks a slight improvement from the previous year's record by a modest 46 kWh/person. The move towards more sustainable energy, though incremental, indicates a step in the right direction despite the need for a more pronounced shift away from fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Utah could focus on expanding existing solar capacities, as they already contribute the most to the state's clean energy profile. Utah can look to successful examples like Nevada and California, where solar plays a crucial role in the energy mix, generating around a third and almost a third of their electricity, respectively. Furthermore, considering the potential for diverse solutions, Utah could explore nuclear energy as seen in regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power dominates the low-carbon energy sector. Introducing more wind energy, as exemplified by states such as Iowa and South Dakota, could also contribute positively to Utah's clean electricity targets.
History
Looking back, the past decades have seen varied progress in Utah's low-carbon electricity journey. In the early 2000s, hydropower frequently fluctuated, experiencing both upticks and declines. Notable increases occurred in 2005, 2009, and 2011, only to be offset by downturns in following years. Wind energy showed promise, especially in 2010 and 2016, although it also faced setbacks. The introduction of geothermal energy in 2014, with a minor expansion, added some diversity to the clean energy mix. Missing from this narrative is a consistent policy focus on clean energy expansion, especially nuclear, which holds the potential to drastically reduce reliance on fossil fuels for electricity in Utah.
