In the period from June 2024 to May 2025, Montana's electricity consumption indicates a strong lean towards low-carbon energy sources. A significant 57% of the electricity was sourced from clean energy technologies. Hydropower led the way, contributing a third to the state's electricity grid, while wind power contributed almost a quarter. Solar energy, meanwhile, provided a smaller share, close to negligible. On the other hand, fossil fuels still accounted for around 42% of Montana's electricity. Coal was the dominant fossil fuel, representing over a third of total electricity consumption, with gas and oil offering minimal contributions. This division underscores a promising transition towards low-carbon energy sources, though fossil fuels remain a considerable part of the electricity mix which should be minimized for a cleaner, healthier environment.
Is Electricity Growing in Montana?
Assessing the growth of electricity generation in Montana reveals a decline compared to past records. The current electricity consumption at 23,589 kWh per person in 2025 is significantly lower than the 2008 record of over 30,000 kWh per person, reflecting a decrease of about 6,764 kWh. Additionally, low-carbon electricity production has also seen a decline from its peak in 2011, with the numbers dropping by 370 kWh per person. This declining trend is concerning, as it indicates a slowdown in the growth of electricity, especially clean electricity, crucial to meeting future demand spurred by increased electrification and AI advancements.
Suggestions
To bolster Montana's low-carbon electricity capacity, expanding existing wind facilities seems a promising strategy. Regions like Iowa and South Dakota exemplify how robust wind investments can lead to over 60% wind energy in their electricity mix. Moreover, introducing nuclear power could significantly uplift Montana's clean energy potential, as demonstrated by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy constitutes over half of their electricity. Solar power, though currently a minor player in Montana, should also be expanded, learning from regions like Nevada and California, which achieve around a fifth of their electricity production from solar. By diversifying into these successful low-carbon solutions, Montana could significantly enhance its sustainable energy footprint.
History
Montana's history of low-carbon electricity generation has seen notable fluctuations, especially in hydropower production. In the mid-2000s, there were notable increases in hydropower followed by declines; most notably, the early 2010s saw a major uptick with a 3.2 TWh increase in 2011 alone. However, this was followed by a period of fluctuations characterized by both rises and falls throughout the next decade. More recently, wind energy showed positive growth, particularly in 2020 and continuing through 2024, when it saw a noteworthy increase of 1.3 TWh. This track record stresses the importance of expanding and stabilizing low-carbon sources to ensure sustained growth in clean electricity production in Montana.