The Moab City Council unanimously approved joining Utah’s Community Clean Energy Program on April 28, a move that will automatically enroll most Rocky Mountain Power customers in a renewable energy program beginning in 2027.  

Residential customers enrolled in the program would pay about $4 per month unless they opt out, though qualifying low-income residents may pay no monthly charge.

Participants would continue receiving electricity through Rocky Mountain Power. 

In 2017, the city established a renewable energy and emissions reduction goal of  80% by 2040. Two years later, the city updated its goal to 100% renewable energy, which made Moab  eligible for the program.

 Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability Director Alexi Lamm said adopting renewable energy is part of the city’s general plan and sustainability plan.

“It aligns with our adopted goals,” Lamm said at the meeting. “There are other reasons too, like spreading high cost infrastructure over more customers makes it more accessible, less expensive for people to get into having renewable electricity on their bills … it’s making it more accessible for residents here.”

Lamm said this program also gives customers a choice  because participants may  opt out if they do not want to participate.  Lamm noted this opportunity is “something people would not have access to otherwise.”

The goal of the program is to expand clean energy, while keeping it affordable and accessible, she said. 

“It’s an investment in clean energy. It’s good for the health and environment,” Lamm said. “And also, Utah is looking for more electricity. The governor has formally said that this is something that we are going to need for the future.”

What is the Community Clean Energy Program?

The Community Clean Energy Program includes 19 towns, cities and counties. Those communities use about 20% of Utah’s electrical load, according to Lamm. 

“That’s a substantial amount of electricity,” she said.

So far, Summit County, Salt Lake City, Emigration Canyon, Springdale, Park City, Mill Creek, and now Moab, have adopted the Community Clean Energy Program. 

Residential customers enrolled in the program will remain Rocky Mountain Power customers. Customers can opt out for free during the first six billing cycles. After that period, residential customers would need to pay a $30 fee to opt out of the program. 

Residential customers would pay a flat $4 monthly charge. That includes a $3.88 participation fee and a 12-cent surcharge supporting a low-income assistance program. Qualifying low-income residents would pay $0 per month.

To qualify for the low-income program, residents must have a Rocky Mountain Power bill, live in a community participating in the program, and have a household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Residents can either apply directly to Rocky Mountain Power’s Electric Lifeline Program or apply for the Home Energy Assistance Target Program. 

Lamm said nonresidential customers are expected to see electricity costs go up by about 5%, though opt-out fees vary depending on rate schedules.

“Long term, program rates are not expected to increase,” Lamm said. “In fact, the Public Service Commission specifically said that there’s no evidence in the record to say that they would increase, and said it’s more likely that they would decrease over time.”

Lamm said reserve funds must initially be established to protect Rocky Mountain Power if the program were discontinued and to support new renewable energy resources. After start up costs are no longer a factor, she  said, rates would be more closely tied to electricity costs. 

“At this point, renewables are often less expensive than new fossil fuel resources,” Lamm said.

What comes next

The remaining communities have until June 2 to adopt into the Community Clean Energy Program. 

In November, Rocky Mountain Power will prepare the billing system, which is projected to take about five months. The company will then send notices to customers for two billing cycles. Customers will receive the first notice by mail and the second through their regular billing notification method.

By January 2027, customers will see the program charge on their bills. 

It will cost the City of Moab about $4,800 for Rocky Mountain Power to send  notices to customers. No other costs are associated with the program. 

Note to readers • Lizzie Ramirez is a Report for America corps member covering local government and tourism in Grand County for The Times-Independent. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories. Please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by clicking here.