We’re so excited to share the news that on Friday, January 24th, Rocky Mountain Power filed the Program Application with the Public Service Commission on behalf of the 19 local governments participating in Utah Renewable Communities. Following nearly five years of negotiation and collaboration, this is our biggest milestone to date!
Over the next few months, the commission will review the application. Once approved, local communities will have the opportunity to adopt local ordinances to move forward.
We’re on our way, and we are thrilled to have 19 communities along for the ride. Read the full press release below!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Clean Energy Program Filed with Public Service Commission
The program proposal is a major step toward clean energy for residents and businesses in nineteen Utah communities.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (January 29, 2025) — Last Friday, Rocky Mountain Power submitted an application to launch a new clean energy program with the Utah Renewable Communities (URC), a partnership among 19 Utah communities. This milestone follows nearly five years of intense negotiation and collaboration, culminating with the proposed program being submitted to the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC).
If approved, the program will offer eligible customers an affordable clean energy option to encourage new clean energy supply. The initial program rate acceptable to the URC Board would add no more than $3 to $4 per month to the average residential bill. Costs will be determined as the program is approved and may be adjusted annually as clean energy resources are procured in support of the program.
“Utah communities are stepping up to add energy at a time of unprecedented new demand,” said URC Board Chair Dan Dugan. “We want to add more clean energy to Rocky Mountain Power’s grid. We believe our efforts complement Utah’s Operation Gigawatt initiative to double the state’s energy generation over the next decade.”
The funds raised through the program will primarily be used to acquire new clean energy sources, bolstering energy generation during what Governor Cox describes as a “looming energy crisis.” In addition to supplying the grid with more clean energy, additional benefits of the program are expected to include job creation, increased local tax revenue, and reduced air pollution.
Formed in response to a 2019 Utah law, URC represents 19 communities that have united to fund the design of this clean energy initiative. URC has proposed low-income assistance plans and resource acquisition strategies to help ensure affordability, as required by state law. The program rate must cover all program-related costs and ensure that non-participating customers’ bills are not impacted.
To support low-income households, the program proposes automatic bill credits for customers already receiving monthly assistance through Rocky Mountain Power to help offset any additional program cost. This initiative would be funded by an estimated $0.09 (nine cent) monthly charge for other participating customers.
“It’s a small price to pay to help make this clean energy program affordable for all,” said Samantha DeSeelhorst of Cottonwood Heights, who led the development of the state’s required low-income assistance plans. “Clean energy shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s a necessity for the health of our communities. By building affordability into this program, we’re ensuring that everyone, regardless of their income level, can benefit from new clean energy.”
If approved by the PSC and adopted by the participating communities later this year, customers next year would receive two opt-out notices before being enrolled in the program. Customers will be able to opt out through the Rocky Mountain Power website, by calling Rocky Mountain Power customer service, or by mail. While PSC rules require only three billing cycles before any termination fees would apply, the URC Board wants to double the initial period to six billing cycles and for termination fees to be waived for qualifying low-income customers and customers who move outside of participating communities.
The URC Board estimates that the program could add between 300 and 1,600 Gigawatt-hours of clean energy to the Rocky Mountain Power grid annually by the end of 2030. Final program rates are subject to review and approval by the PSC. Rates may be adjusted annually based on participation levels, clean energy acquisition costs, and other factors. URC hopes to announce new clean energy power plants contracted by Rocky Mountain Power on behalf of the program later this year.
For more information, please visit www.utahrenewablecommunities.org.
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About Utah Renewable Communities
Utah Renewable Communities (formally, the “Community Renewable Energy Agency”) is a coalition of 19 communities dedicated to advancing clean energy solutions in Utah. Established in 2021, the URC works under the Community Clean Energy Act to design and implement initiatives that empower residents and businesses to choose cleaner energy options while addressing the state’s energy challenges.
For interviews with URC experts or questions, please contact:
Sarah Jensen
Penna Powers on behalf of Utah Renewable Communities
801.657.1083
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