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Springdale council hears pitch to join Utah Renewable Communities; PSC hearing set for Dec. 16
Summary
Councilmember Randy Aton briefed the council on the Utah Renewable Communities program and a Dec. 16 Public Service Commission hearing; if approved, Springdale would have 90 days to pass an ordinance and residents could see a roughly $3–$4 monthly increase with two cost-free opt-out opportunities.
Councilmember Randy Aton presented a briefing on the Utah Renewable Communities (URC) program on Nov. 12, telling the Springdale Town Council the group’s goal is to secure 100% renewable energy for participating communities.
“We’re gonna go beyond that 52% so that all of our communities are getting 100% of our energy from renewable sources,” Aton said during his slide presentation outlining the program’s background and timeline.
Aton said the URC is scheduled for a Public Service Commission hearing on Dec. 16. If the PSC approves the URC application, each participating municipality will have 90 days to pass an ordinance committing to the program. Springdale has so far contributed about $941 for administrative work; larger municipalities carried most startup costs.
Staff and Aton described anticipated consumer effects: an energy consultant has estimated the program would increase the average residential Rocky Mountain Power bill by about $3 to $4 per month to cover the incremental cost of contracting renewable resources. Aton said customers will have two initial billing cycles in which they may opt out of the program free of charge; after that, a future termination fee (currently estimated around $30) could apply if customers leave the program outside the opt-out windows.
Councilmembers asked about siting for generation projects; Aton said most developer proposals already include leased or purchased land and that the URC communities would not be expected to provide sites. The council encouraged outreach to residents and noted that a low-income protection is included for customers enrolled in Rocky Mountain Power’s assistance schedule so their bills would not increase.
The council did not take final action tonight but will watch the Dec. 16 PSC docket and return with any ordinance language and next steps if the PSC approves the program.
