Idaho’s Energy Future: Higher bills and more emissions? Or lower bills and cleaner power?
As Idaho grows, so does our need for electricity—and the decisions we make now will determine whether our energy future is affordable, reliable, and compatible with a stable climate. With the Idaho Legislature set to convene in January, lawmakers will have a critical opportunity to shape policies that protect ratepayers and accelerate our transition to cleaner energy.
Idaho currently imports roughly 30–35% of its electricity every year. That means millions of dollars leave our state to purchase power we could be generating here at home. Building new in-state wind, solar and geothermal projects not only keeps those jobs and dollars local, but it also lowers emissions from fossil fuels—a key driver of climate change.
The good news? Clean energy has become the most affordable option for new power. Today, new solar and wind projects cost between $24 and $50 per megawatt-hour, while fossil fuels like natural gas range from $45 to $100 per MWh, and new coal plants top $90 per MWh. As utilities plan to meet a projected 1,700 MW increase in peak demand over the next 20 years—about 1,000 MW arriving in just the next five years thanks in part to energy-hungry data centers—choosing the lowest-cost resources is crucial for keeping customer bills affordable.
Clean energy also plays an essential role in Idaho’s climate future. Although hydropower remains our largest source of electricity, fossil fuels—especially natural gas and coal—still make up nearly 30% of Idaho’s power mix. Transitioning away from these higher-emission resources is one of the fastest ways Idaho can help reduce climate pollution while keeping rates stable.
Of course, building more renewables is only part of the solution. Transmission projects and participation in broader regional energy markets allow Idaho utilities to buy cheaper electricity at peak times and reduce reliance on costly imports. Blocking these tools forces utilities to rely on expensive new fossil plants instead—and Idahoans ultimately see the consequences on their monthly bills.
When the Legislature convenes in January, lawmakers will have the chance to act on several policy recommendations that could protect consumers and strengthen Idaho’s energy system. These include requiring transparent utility rate agreements for large users, ensuring data centers don’t drive costs higher for everyone else, allowing tax revenues from solar projects to benefit counties, and supporting Idaho’s participation in regional energy markets.
Idaho has the resources, the technology, and the momentum to build a cleaner, more affordable energy future. Now we need the policy leadership to match.