19 Utah Cities Launch Clean Energy Program for Residents

Utah just made it easier for everyday people to invest in clean energy without installing a single solar panel on their roof.

The Utah Public Service Commission approved the Utah Renewable Communities initiative on March 4, greenlighting a partnership between 19 Utah cities and Rocky Mountain Power. The program emerged from legislation passed back in 2019 and represents a new way for communities to take charge of their energy future together.

Cities including Salt Lake City, Ogden, Park City, and Moab are among those involved. Each community must now pass an ordinance by June 2 to officially join the program.

Here's how it works: residential customers in participating cities will automatically be enrolled to pay an extra $4 monthly on their power bills. That money funds the development of new renewable energy projects specifically for their communities. Business customers will pay a rate based on their energy use plus 12 cents.

"It balances Springdale's sustainability goals with long term energy needs while making clean energy accessible to more Utahns," said Randy Aton, a Springdale Town Council member.

The program respects customer choice. Rocky Mountain Power will send notices in late 2026 before billing starts in early 2027. Customers can opt out anytime during the first six months with no penalty. After that, residential customers pay a $30 exit fee.

The Ripple Effect

This initiative creates a model other states could follow. Instead of waiting for top-down mandates or individual homeowners to afford expensive solar installations, entire communities pool resources to fund clean energy projects together.

The funds first build reserve accounts to ensure stable financing throughout project lifespans. Then they directly support program administration and development of new renewable resources. Rocky Mountain Power and Utah Renewable Communities are already exploring which clean energy projects to acquire.

The program evolved significantly from its original vision of 100% renewable energy by 2030. Organizers broadened the types of qualifying energy sources and simplified opt-out procedures based on community feedback over seven years of development.

Glade Sowards, senior energy and climate program manager for Salt Lake City, noted that residents can share their perspectives with elected officials as they decide whether to adopt the required ordinances. Environmental groups are already encouraging cities to participate.

The smaller mountain towns of Alta, Francis, Oakley, and Castle Valley joined major cities in the effort, showing broad appeal across different community sizes and needs.

This marks a significant shift in how Utah approaches clean energy, putting the power to choose renewable sources directly in the hands of local communities and their residents.