There is a multi-billion-dollar opportunity awaiting Utah electricity customers, but the window is closing. While legacy energy sources have served Utah well for the past 100 years and have a place in its future, a prosperous, affordable future requires an all-of-the-above energy strategy that takes full advantage of our massive renewable energy potential.

Now is the time to reinvest in our energy future, including harnessing solar, wind and geothermal to meet our growing energy demands.

Renewable energy offers fast, scalable and reliable solutions to the electricity supply challenge. When we embrace those solutions, all Utahns — rural communities in particular — benefit. Federal tax credits for renewable energy make already sound, profitable investments in renewable energy projects even more profitable and even more affordable for customers, so the time to act is now before they expire.

Renewables help Utah stay competitive

We have some of the best renewable energy resources in the country that provide affordable, reliable, zero-fuel-cost power. Geothermal energy — harvesting naturally occurring heat from thousands of feet underground to generate electricity — provides a reliable power source that’s on 24/7 and is uniquely accessible and abundant in Utah. More electricity supply from diverse sources puts downward pressure on rates over time. Even without federal tax incentives, renewables are often the most cost-effective electricity sources.

As a member of the Summit County Council and as a rancher, I have seen firsthand that renewable energy projects not only provide clean energy to our communities but they also generate new local tax revenue for communities and steady lease payments to landowners — serving as a new source of income (similar to a new crop) for rural economies.

Renewable energy investments contribute to economic diversification, attracting new industries and setting Utah up to continue being an energy exporter.

Renewable energy is already benefiting Utahns every day

Utah is blessed to be a growing hub for renewable energy in addition to our long-standing fossil fuel resources. Let’s keep the momentum going.

In Summit County, we are currently leveraging Utah solar farms to help power our government facilities. Beyond Summit County, renewable energy is benefiting communities in virtually every corner of the state. From Box Elder and Tooele to Carbon, Iron and Beaver Counties, solar and wind projects are helping to fund schools and roads and strengthening local infrastructure.

Fervo Energy’s Cape Station, a geothermal project in Milford, is an exciting new economic opportunity for rural Utah.The project, while still in development, is projected to create 6,602 construction jobs and 161 permanent operations jobs over its life cycle, with $437M in wages during buildout and operation. The benefits are wide-reaching, with $1.1B in total expected regional economic impact from direct and indirect spending.

These are only a few examples of a wide array of renewable energy projects that are delivering these benefits right now. But we’ve barely scratched the surface of what we could do.

Lock in benefits today, secure energy prosperity for tomorrow

The nonprofit Utah Clean Energy recently filed a petition urging regulators to expedite renewable project approvals because they represent an opportunity that could deliver billions of dollars in savings for Utah ratepayers if acted upon now.

By prioritizing renewable energy now, we future-proof Utah’s economy and energy system. Many states are expediting project approval for solar, wind and storage projects to tap into federal investment and production tax credits. This ensures we are investing in the lowest-cost energy for Utahns and will lock in millions (potentially billions) of dollars in energy savings for hardworking Utah families and businesses. We have a pathway to utilizing them, but Utah needs to act fast.

Utah’s energy future depends on smart, bold action today. Renewable energy development isn’t just good for our communities; it’s an essential part of our economic future. By investing in renewables, we can build on Utah’s proud legacy of energy independence and innovation.

We encourage all community leaders, businesses and elected officials to lead with a forward-thinking, all-of-the-above energy strategy that leverages our local renewable energy potential, securing Utah’s place as a national energy leader for generations to come.