Over the past 12 months, from June 2024 to May 2025, the electricity consumption in Idaho has been largely dominated by low-carbon sources. Almost half of the electricity comes from low-carbon energy, though none from nuclear, making this a predominantly hydropower-fueled state with almost a third of the total electricity generation. Wind energy also contributes over one-tenth, with solar power providing a small yet significant percentage of about 5% and biofuels contributing close to 2%. On the fossil front, natural gas accounts for roughly one-fifth of the electricity, indicating room for cleaner energy expansion. A sizable portion, nearly a third, is made up of net imports, which suggests Idaho could enhance its energy independence by expanding its clean energy generation further.
Is Electricity Growing in Idaho?
Idaho's latest electricity consumption is about 13,734 kWh per person annually, illustrating a decline from the former peak of 16,614 kWh per person in 2007. This reduction of almost 3,000 kWh per person raises concerns, especially as the demand for electricity is expected to rise with increasing electrification and technological advancements. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation per individual has also decreased significantly since 2011, marking a decline of over 3,000 kWh per person. These figures signal the need for Idaho to urgently prioritize boosting its clean energy capacities to address future electricity demands sustainably.
Suggestions
To effectively elevate its low-carbon electricity output, Idaho is advised to focus on expanding its existing wind capacity, given its current contribution of over 10%. Emulating successful models from similar regions could offer strategic insights. States like Iowa and South Dakota have achieved significant wind penetration, generating more than half of their electricity from wind alone. Seeing that Idaho currently has no nuclear-generated electricity, looking towards countries like France or states like Illinois, which have deeply relied on nuclear as a low-carbon backbone for their grids, could provide a vital framework for introducing this green energy source to Idaho's energy mix. Furthermore, incorporating more solar capacity, inspired by Nevada or Lebanon, could complement its low-carbon objectives, enhance resiliency, and further decrease reliance on imports and fossil fuels.
History
Idaho has experienced a varied history of low-carbon electricity generation over the past two decades. The mid-2000s saw fluctuating hydropower outputs, with a significant boost in 2006 but marked declines in subsequent years like 2007 and 2010. The early 2010s offered a more hopeful outlook as both hydro and wind power saw substantial growth in 2011. This upward trend was offset somewhat in the mid-2010s with decreases, notably in 2012 and 2013, especially concerning hydro. However, the late 2010s saw incremental hydro and solar contribution increases, suggesting budding potential. Most recently, wind energy has shown modest yet critical growth in 2024, while hydro continues to play its key role, albeit with minor fluctuations. To drive progress, Idaho should build upon these foundational shifts and broaden its clean energy initiatives, especially in solar and nuclear, to secure a more sustainable electricity future.