Midvale City Council considers early payment for renewable energy agency membership

The Midvale City Council meeting on April 15, 2024, focused on a significant resolution regarding the city’s participation in the Community Renewable Energy Agency (CREA). The council reviewed and discussed Resolution 2025-R-21, which authorizes a second payment to CREA, a step that could allow Midvale to become a voting member of the agency.

Erin Summers, representing the city, provided an overview of the program, which was established in 2019 to facilitate collaboration with Rocky Mountain Power for renewable energy. The program aims to provide net 100% renewable energy to participating communities by 2030. Recent legislative changes have opened the door for Midvale to join the agency, which had previously been restricted by a deadline for participation.

Summers explained that the council had already approved the first payment of approximately $11, and the second payment is necessary for Midvale to gain voting rights within the agency. This early voting status would enable the city to influence decisions regarding power purchasing agreements and other critical aspects of the program.

The council discussed the financial implications of the program, noting that residents could expect a monthly increase of no more than $3 to $4 on their utility bills. Low-income participants would receive credits to offset these costs. The program also allows residents to opt out, with an extended opt-out period of six months, which was a point of concern for some council members.

Several council members expressed the importance of having a vote in the agency, emphasizing the principle of representation in decisions that affect local residents. They highlighted the need for Midvale to actively participate in shaping the program rather than waiting until August to make the second payment and potentially miss out on early voting rights.

The council ultimately faced three options: to approve the second payment and gain early voting rights, to delay the decision until August, or to withdraw from the agency entirely. The discussion underscored the council's commitment to ensuring that Midvale residents have a voice in the renewable energy initiative and the importance of timely decision-making in this evolving program.