Payson City officials acknowledged a recent increase in electricity costs reflected in utility bills in a statement published October 18, 2026. The Payson City Mayor, City Council, and Administration expressed regret that these higher power costs are being passed along to residents, noting the pressure rising household expenses place on family budgets.
The increase is linked to changes in the regional electricity market. Payson City's typical August electricity bill from Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) was approximately $1.2 million, but that cost increased to approximately $2.1 million in August 2026. This change is largely tied to participation in the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) following PacifiCorp's decision to join. Under the market's rules, securing sufficient power resources a day in advance is critical to avoiding additional costs and significant penalties.
For a typical Payson household consuming between 750 and 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the current power cost adjustment is expected to add approximately $24.75 to $33.00 to the monthly electric bill. City leadership stated they are working to bring costs down and create greater price stability through a new power plant. This facility, along with the expiration of an existing power contract in April 2027, is expected to help the city meet market resource requirements and reduce exposure to costly penalties.
The city administration stated they are committed to pursuing every reasonable opportunity to stabilize costs and provide a more reliable and affordable power supply for the community.
