The Utah Public Service Commission has approved a new renewable energy program that enables Rocky Mountain Power customers in 19 Utah communities to support the development of utility-scale clean energy resources. The program is part of the Utah Renewable Communities initiative, which involves a multi-year collaboration between the utility and participating towns, counties, and cities.
Utah Renewable Communities Board Chair and Salt Lake City Council Member Dan Dugan stated that the approval follows years of partnership and creates a program that expands clean energy access while supporting economic growth, reliability, and affordability in Utah.
Under the new program, residential customers in participating communities will fund new renewable energy projects through an initial monthly charge of $4. Non-residential customers will pay based on their usage. To assist with accessibility, a portion of the residential monthly charge will be directed to a low-income assistance fund, providing bill credits so eligible customers can participate at no additional cost.
To move forward, participating communities must pass a local ordinance confirming their participation. Communities that adopt this ordinance by June 2, 2026, will see their Rocky Mountain Power customers automatically enrolled in the program. Customers should expect to receive notices regarding the program in late 2026, with a new clean energy line item appearing on bills starting in early 2027. Opt-out instructions and further details will be included in these notices.
The program design follows the passage of Utah House Bill 411, which established a pathway for communities to collaborate with Rocky Mountain Power on renewable energy programs. Since 2019, various communities from Ogden to Springdale have worked with the utility to develop this initiative.
Tim Solomon, director of community relations for Rocky Mountain Power, said the company cooperated with the PSC, Utah legislators, and communities to advise on program design and state energy policy changes. Participating locations include Park City, Salt Lake City, Moab City, Summit County (unincorporated), Kearns City, and several other towns and counties.
