Utah Renewable Communities win Sustainability Collaboration Award at Intermountain Summit

The Summit County Board of Health meeting on April 7, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in renewable energy initiatives through the Utah Renewable Communities program. Emily, a representative from the program, shared exciting news about receiving the Sustainability Collaboration Award from Weber State University at the recent Intermountain Sustainability Summit. This recognition underscores the collaborative efforts of 19 communities working together since 2021 to promote clean energy options for Rocky Mountain Power customers.

Emily explained that the Utah Renewable Communities, previously known as Utah 100 Communities, is an interlocal cooperative agency formed to facilitate the transition to renewable energy. The program aims to provide participating communities with access to clean energy while allowing residents the option to opt out. This initiative was made possible by the Community Clean Energy Act, which was passed by the Utah State Legislature in 2019 and updated in 2024.

Currently, the program is under review by the Utah Public Service Commission, which is responsible for approving the initiative. Emily detailed the ongoing process, including the submission of a resource solicitation framework by Rocky Mountain Power, which outlines how the agency will seek utility-scale clean energy projects. The next steps involve a defined schedule for public comments and a virtual hearing, with a decision from the commission expected within three to six months.

If approved, communities will need to adopt an ordinance to officially participate in the program, with Summit County expected to make this decision later in 2025 or early 2026. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism about the future of renewable energy in the region, as the collaborative efforts continue to gain recognition and momentum.