City of Holladay issued the following announcement on June 10.
As of the May 31, 2022 participation deadline, 18 cities and counties across Utah
have joined the effort to launch a default net-100% renewable electricity option for Rocky Mountain Power customers in
their communities.
Participating communities stretch as far south as Springdale, as far east as Castle Valley, as far north as Ogden, and as far
west as Kearns. Collectively, these communities account for about 25% of Rocky Mountain Power’s retail electricity sales
in the state.
The Community Renewable Energy Agency (also called the “Utah 100 Communities”) formed in response to HB 411, a
2019 bill called the Utah Community Renewable Energy Act, that created a pathway for interested communities served
by Rocky Mountain Power to collaborate on creating this first-of-its kind renewable electricity program.
The Agency is currently negotiating with Rocky Mountain Power on how to design the Community Renewable Energy
Program, which aspires to match 100 percent of participating customers’ annual electricity consumption with renewable
generation supplied to our grid, no later than 2030.
“Holladay is fortunate to be involved in crafting this new program that will increase the
amount of renewable energy used by our state,” said City of Holladay City Council Member
Drew Quinn. Ms. Quinn was appointed to serve as the primary Holladay representative on the
Community Renewable Energy Agency Board. She continued, “Now more than ever, the
conservation of our natural resources and diversification of power supplies and fuels is critical
in preserving our high quality of life in a responsible way for generations to come.”
In October of last year, the Agency hired local law firm James Dodge Russell & Stephens as
outside counsel and has been conducting regular negotiations with officials from Rocky
Mountain Power (also called PacifiCorp) since December. The Agency will hold additional
negotiations with state regulators in the coming months. One of the primary objectives of
these negotiations is to estimate how much it will cost for customers to participate in the new net-100 percent
renewable electricity program. The Agency is a cooperative effort, meaning that its activities are staffed by elected
officials and staff from each of the participating communities.
Several communities recently conducted surveys of their residents and the responses have shown strong support for
renewable energy. For example, a large majority (over 70 percent) of Ogden residents think businesses, residents, and
local governments should be doing more to seek out renewable energy. And a recent survey of Salt Lake City residents
showed that 88 percent of residents are supportive of an option to source all of their electricity from renewable energy
sources that do not produce air pollution.
The current roster of communities is (in alphabetical order): Alta, Castle Valley, Coalville, Cottonwood Heights,
Emigration Canyon, Francis, Grand County (unincorporated), Holladay, Kearns, Millcreek, Moab, Oakley, Ogden, Park
City, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County (unincorporated), Springdale, and Summit County (unincorporated).
Several steps remain on the path to creating the new renewable electricity program. The Agency hopes Rocky Mountain
Power will file a Program application with the Utah Public Service Commission later this year. Should that application be
approved, interested communities will each need to adopt ordinances to finalize their participation. The new renewable
electricity program could launch as soon as 2023 or 2024.
To learn more, visit: https://www.utah100communities.org/
The City of Holladay is one of the oldest and most well-established communities in Utah. With a population of about
30,000 people, we maintain our small-town feel through events, resources and transparent public communication. As we
continue to expand, we create a high quality of life through our values of preservation and sustainable growth. One of
our greatest examples of this commitment is our status as a Tree City USA city. The stunning tree canopy covers about
40% of the City of Holladay, with some trees dating back to the 1850s. These trees maintain our historic charm and keep
us rooted in our community.
Our city is committed to open and direct communication with residents and businesses. To see our latest news, visit our
website, or stay up-to-date by following our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts.
Original source can be found here.
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