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Montana   Montana Profile

State Profile and Energy Estimates

Changes to the State Energy Data System (SEDS) Notice: In October 2023, we updated the way we calculate primary energy consumption of electricity generation from noncombustible renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal). Visit our Changes to 1960—2022 conversion factor for renewable energy page to learn more.

Profile Overview

Quick Facts

  • Montana has the nation's largest recoverable coal reserves, which is about 30% of the U.S. total, and the state accounts for about 5% of U.S. coal production.
  • Montana's temperature extremes and small population contribute to the state's residential sector having the highest per capita energy consumption of any state.
  • In 2022, Montana ranked 10th among the states with the largest share of electricity generated from renewables, about 53%.
  • Coal-fired power plants provided the largest share of Montana's electricity generation in 2022, accounting for 42% of in-state generation, followed by hydropower at 38%, wind power at 15%, natural gas at 2%, and petroleum coke at nearly 2%.
  • Montana’s total natural gas consumption is among the five lowest states. About half of state households use natural gas as their primary energy source for home heating.

Last Updated: April 20, 2023

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