Salt Lake City expands access to renewable electricity

“It isn’t just a win for Salt Lake City. It’s a win for communities across Utah,” said council member Dan Dugan, who also serves as chair for the Utah Renewable Communities Board. “We believe there is high demand for more renewable energy resources, and these participating communities represent a large share of that within Rocky Mountain Power’s network. We’re excited for this expansion.”

The programme is the result of a multi-year collaboration between Rocky Mountain Power and Utah Renewable Communities, a coalition of cities and counties working together to advance clean energy. The effort began in 2019, when participating communities, including Salt Lake City, adopted goals to support net-100 per cent renewable electricity. 

“For years, many in our community have wanted access to cleaner energy. This programme gives residents and businesses a simple, practical way to participate in building a more resilient future”

As the Community Clean Energy Programme moves toward implementation, customers can expect the following:

• Automatic enrolment: most customers will be enrolled beginning in early 2027
• Advance notice: customers will receive mailed and digital notices starting in late 2026
• Flexible participation: customers may opt out at any time. There is no cost to opt out during the first six months after receiving their first notice; after that, a $30 fee applies for residential customers.

The residential cost of the programme is $4 per month. Income-qualified customers can participate at no additional cost through Rocky Mountain Power’s assistance programmes, with bill credits covering the programme cost. Like all utility rates, programme pricing will be reviewed and adjusted periodically, with oversight from the Utah Public Service Commission. The non-residential monthly cost varies based on electricity usage. For example, a medium-sized office building using 6,880kWh in a month would see an increase of about $42, or roughly five per cent on a typical monthly bill.

Most residential and non-residential customers – including renters who pay their own electricity bills – in participating communities are eligible to participate, including many customers with rooftop solar on applicable schedules. Those on Schedule 135, the oldest net metering schedule, are not eligible per state law. Customers moving into or annexed into a participating community will also receive notice and have the opportunity to opt out.