Community Renewable Energy Agency continues to grow

Electric vehicle charging station at the Ecker Hill Park & Ride. Photo: Parker Malatesta

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — 14 local governments in Utah have now signed on to join the Community Renewable Energy Agency. The group is a cooperative formed under state law (HB 411) in 2019 in order to reach net-100% renewable electricity.

“Summit County is thrilled to collaborate with local governments across the state to bring net-100% renewable energy to our communities,” said Glenn Wright, Summit County Council Chair. “The Utah Community Renewable Energy Agency represents the culmination of years of innovative problem solving and hard work. We are committed to working with the public, Rocky Mountain Power, state regulators and representatives from each community on the Community Renewable Energy Agency Board towards a vision of affordable, large-scale, and accessible renewable energy.”

The formation of the agency is due to the collaboration of community officials across Utah looking to reach net-100% renewable energy by 2030. The group recently finalized a governance agreement that establishes a decision-making system and a cost-sharing formula.

14 of the 23 eligible communities have signed on so far. The deadline for the remaining nine to sign on is January 31, 2022.

The agency held its inaugural board meeting this month. They plan to meet monthly and work heavily in tandem with the state’s largest electric utility, Rocky Mountain Power.

“We’re transforming the future to 100% clean electricity with the Community Renewable Energy Program,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “And we’re working in partnership not only with Rocky Mountain Power, but with a group of dedicated local governments to make it happen. I’m thrilled with the achievement of the creation of the agency and look forward to working with our partners to develop significant new renewable energy resources for our state.”

This coming winter or spring, the agency plans to submit an application to state regulators along with Rocky Mountain Power. If it is approved by the Utah Public Service Commission, all participating communities will be provided with a default net-100% renewable electricity option.

Eligible communities will need to pass an ordinance to finalize their participation before a new program begins. Customers in participating areas will be given the choice to opt-out, either two months before the program begins, or within three billing cycles.

For more information, visit: https://www.utah100communities.org/