Millcreek renewable-energy board reallocates communications funds to cover program design work as utility filings advance

The Millcreek City Community Renewable Energy Agency Board voted unanimously to reallocate communications funds and existing new-party payments to bolster program-design work necessary to carry its program application and solicitation through the Utah Public Service Commission process.

The funding move, approved as Resolution 2053 (program design funding changes), shifts about $27,500 previously budgeted for outside communications work and $11,142 from new-party payments into the agency's program design budget. Christopher Thomas, who convenes the agency's Program Design Committee, said the reallocation will help pay for legal, technical and solicitation-related expenses as the agency advances two dockets filed with the Utah Public Service Commission. "Rocky Mountain Power filed the program application this last month, opening docket '20 five-thirty five-six," Thomas said.

The board adopted the resolution after a motion by Drew Quinn (Holiday) and a second from Councilman Rod Armstrong; the motion passed unanimously. Earlier in the meeting the board also approved the Jan. 6, 2025 meeting minutes by voice vote.

Why it matters: the agency is moving from planning into regulatory filings and an expected developer solicitation. Thomas told the board that the agency faces an estimated $110,000 in near-term program-design expenses: about $60,000 for legal and technical support (outside counsel and expert testimony) and roughly $50,000 to prepare and publish the solicitation platform and process for bids. He said those figures are estimates and that the board may seek voluntary additional contributions from member communities if costs exceed projections.

Key budget figures…