In 2025, Montana's electricity consumption has a promising inclination towards low-carbon sources, with more than half of its electricity—almost 58%—being generated from clean energy sources. Of these, hydropower is the leader, contributing to over a third of the electricity supply at 34%. Wind energy follows closely behind, making up almost 22% of the generation. On the other hand, fossil fuels still account for about 41% of the electricity mix, with coal being the predominant fossil energy source at 35%, while gas and oil contribute approximately 5% and 2%, respectively. Solar electricity, although relatively small, is now also contributing almost 2% to the mix, illustrating growth in this promising field.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Montana?
Electricity consumption per person in Montana indicates growth, with 2025 showing a record usage of 24,821 kWh per person, which is higher than the previous record set in 2023 at 23,842 kWh. This growth of 980 kWh per person suggests increasing electricity demands are being met. Correspondingly, low-carbon electricity has marked a significant increase as well. The record for low-carbon electricity generation is now set at 14,361 kWh per person, surpassing the previous year’s record by 693 kWh. The rise in these numbers highlights a positive trend towards a cleaner, more sustainable electricity landscape in Montana.
Suggestions
To further augment its low-carbon electricity generation, Montana could consider expanding its existing wind resources given their already substantial contribution. Moreover, looking at successful regions like Iowa and South Dakota, where wind constitutes over 50% of the electricity supply, Montana could harness similar strategies to boost wind energy proportion in its electricity mix. Additionally, the promising use of solar energy in regions such as California and Nevada, where solar energy accounts for more than 30% of electricity generation, offers a blueprint for Montana to significantly scale up solar initiatives. Pursuing advancements in solar and exploring the potential for nuclear energy, as evidenced by strong nuclear performances in regions like France and New Hampshire, could further solidify Montana’s commitment to expanding clean, sustainable energy.
History
Tracing the history of low-carbon electricity in Montana, significant strides can be observed, especially in recent years. In 2024, wind and hydroelectric power both saw appreciable increases, with wind surging by 1.3 TWh and hydro by 0.4 TWh, followed by further additions in 2025 with hydro and wind once again showing gains of 0.6 TWh and 0.4 TWh, respectively. These consistent increases illustrate positive shifts within the state towards expanding its clean energy capacity. Such progression is critical in countering the detrimental impacts of dependency on fossil fuels, including climate change and air pollution. As Montana builds on this momentum, continued investment in and development of low-carbon technologies will be essential to sustaining this trajectory and meeting future energy demands.
