Overview

Resources and Consumption

Idaho is rich in renewable energy resources but has few fossil fuel reserves. The Snake River and several smaller river basins offer Idaho some of the greatest hydroelectric power resources in the Nation. Idaho’s geologically active mountain areas have substantial geothermal and wind power potential. The State economy is energy intensive, and energy-consuming industries include mining, forest products, and transportation equipment. Although Idaho’s total energy consumption is low when compared with other States, the total population is also low, and, as a result, per capita energy consumption is close to the national average.

Petroleum

Idaho markets receive petroleum product supply from refineries in Montana and Utah via two petroleum product pipelines. Total petroleum consumption is low. Idaho is one of the few States that uses conventional motor gasoline statewide. (Most States require the use of specific gasoline blends in non-attainment areas due to air-quality considerations.)

Natural Gas

Two natural gas pipeline systems supply Idaho. The Gas Transmission Northwest Co. pipeline system from Alberta enters the U.S. at the Kingsgate Center on Idaho’s border with Canada before flowing south to California markets. The smaller Northwest Pipeline system from Washington State supplies most of the natural gas consumed in Idaho. The industrial and residential sectors are Idaho’s largest natural gas-consuming sectors. Close to one-half of households in Idaho use natural gas as their primary energy source for home heating.

Coal, Electricity, and Renewables

Hydroelectric power plants dominate Idaho electricity generation, supplying nearly four-fifths of the State's production. Natural gas-fired power plants provide over one-tenth of the State’s production, while coal- and wood-fired generation and wind turbines supply the remainder. Seven of Idaho’s 10 largest generating facilities run on hydroelectric power. Idaho also has more than 30 privately owned hydroelectric power projects, including the Hells Canyon Complex on the Snake River, the largest privately owned hydroelectric power complex in the Nation. In March 2006, the Idaho State legislature passed a 2-year moratorium on licensing or processing proposals for new coal-fired power plants. Several high voltage transmission lines connect Idaho to other western power grids, enabling large interstate electricity transfers, and Idaho purchases large amounts of electricity from neighboring States to meet demand. About one-third of Idaho households use electricity as their primary energy source for home heating.