Cities and counties across Utah commit to renewable energy

A combination of 18 cities and counties across Utah have joined forces to launch a default net-100 per cent renewable electricity option for Rocky Mountain Power customers in their communities.

The Community Renewable Energy Agency (also called the “Utah 100 Communities”) formed in response to HB 411, a 2019 bill called the Utah Community Renewable Energy Act, that created a pathway for interested communities served by Rocky Mountain Power to collaborate on creating this renewable electricity programme that claims to be a first-of-its kind.

Renewable generation

The agency is negotiating with Rocky Mountain Power on how to design the Community Renewable Energy Programme, which aspires to match 100 per cent of participating customers’ annual electricity consumption with renewable generation supplied to the grid, no later than 2030.

“This programme is not only the first-of-its-kind in Utah, it’s the first-of-its-kind in the United States,” said Erin Mendenhall, mayor of Salt Lake City. “Together with Rocky Mountain Power, our communities are building the clean energy infrastructure we need for our children and grandchildren to have a healthy and prosperous future. In a time when cooperation and good news seem hard to come by, we’re working across Utah together to get things done.”

In October 2021, the agency hired local law firm James Dodge Russell & Stephens as outside counsel and has been conducting regular negotiations with officials from Rocky Mountain Power (also called PacifiCorp) since December.

“In light of unprecedented state-wide growth and climate change, the programme makes every participating household more secure by transitioning communities to clean energy”

The agency will hold additional negotiations with state regulators in the coming months. One of the primary objectives of these negotiations is to estimate how much it will cost for customers to participate in the new net-100 per cent renewable electricity programme.

“Transitioning to reliable renewable energy is a top priority for Salt Lake City, and the entire state benefits from our partnership with Rocky Mountain Power and Utah communities,” added Dan Dugan, chair of Salt Lake City Council, who is also the City’s primary board member appointed to the Community Renewable Energy Agency and serves as its board chair.

“The Community Renewable Energy Programme creates a cleaner environment, healthier cities, and resilient energy supplies. In light of unprecedented state-wide growth and climate change, the programme makes every participating household more secure by transitioning communities to clean energy.”