Clean Energy Transition Ahead for Rocky Mountain Power Customers in Grand County
As the new year approaches, Rocky Mountain Power customers in Grand County will soon experience a shift toward renewable energy. Starting January 1, eligible customers will automatically join a clean energy initiative, which will introduce a $4 monthly charge to residential bills unless they choose to opt out.
The Utah Community Clean Energy Program seeks to gradually increase the amount of renewable energy on the grid to match the annual electricity consumption of its participants. While the program aims for sustainable energy matching, it does not guarantee that all electricity consumed will be from renewable sources at all times.
Communities such as Moab, Castle Valley, and the unincorporated areas of Grand County are among the 16 Utah Renewable Communities collaborating with Rocky Mountain Power to roll out the program.
According to a January 2025 regulatory filing, there are 7,440 Rocky Mountain Power customers in Grand County, as reported by Alexi Lamm, Moab’s strategic initiatives and sustainability director.
Customers wishing to participate need not take any action. However, those preferring to avoid the new charges should opt out by December 31, as outlined in Rocky Mountain Power’s approved rate schedule.
Opting out is possible via an online account with Rocky Mountain Power, by contacting their customer care center, or by returning an opt-out form sent to eligible customers.
For those who stay enrolled when billing begins in January, there is an option to exit the program by May 1 without incurring an exit fee, though they will be subject to the monthly charge while enrolled. Post-May 2, the exit fee for residential customers rises to $30.
Participants in the Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP) will receive credits to offset the monthly charge and are exempt from exit fees. Customers in the Home Energy Assistance Target (HEAT) program are automatically enrolled in HELP, according to Utah Renewable Communities. For utility assistance, Grand County residents can contact the Southeastern Regional Development Agency at 435-259-6362 or access online guidance.
Renters will follow the decision of the account holder regarding participation.
Residential customers with rooftop solar under net-metering Schedule 135 are ineligible, while those on schedules 136 and 137 will be automatically included.
Nonresidential customers, such as businesses, will face an extra charge of $0.00609 per kilowatt-hour plus an additional 12 cents monthly. Their bills could see increases ranging from 4% to 9%, with exit fees varying by rate schedule.
Rate adjustments for the program are limited to once a year and require approval from the Utah Public Service Commission.
In September, the coalition’s board selected two solar initiatives for final contract discussions, with expected grid connections between 2028 and 2030, as announced on October 28.
Until these projects commence, program fees will cover startup and administrative expenses, reserve funds, assistance for low-income participants, and a clean energy resource fund, as per the approved rate schedule.
Moab City Councilor Miles Loftin commended the communities for their dedication over seven years to launch the program. “I’m proud to have helped bring this critical investment in renewable energy to the City of Moab and 15 other communities across Utah,” Loftin stated.
For further inquiries, Moab staff are available to provide information about the program. Details about participation, fees, and opting out can be found at rockymountainpower.net/ccep.
Original Story at www.moabtimes.com