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House exempts small renewable‑energy donations on utility bills from sales tax
Summary
The House approved HB129 to exempt small customer donations that support alternative energy projects (wind, solar, biomass) from sales tax; sponsor said Utah Power’s program had 2,238 participants and the bill passed 68–2 and will go to the Senate.
The Utah House on Feb. 25 passed House Bill 129 to exempt small voluntary donations made through utility bills to support renewable‑energy projects from state sales tax. The bill, as amended to add "biomass" to the list of eligible sources, passed the House 68–2 and was referred to the Senate.
Representative Luana Shurtleff, sponsor of the bill, told members the program allows customers to add a modest monthly amount to their electric bill to support alternative energy; "It was like $2.95 a month to add to her bill to help them find different sources of power," she said, describing a constituent’s experience. Shurtleff said roughly 2,238 customers had purchased 3,233 blocks, producing about $6,877 per year in sales taxes on those donations prior to the exemption.
Representative Fairey offered and the House accepted a friendly amendment to include "biomass" among the alternative energy categories covered by the exemption; sponsors and floor managers said the Attorney General’s Office, the State Tax Commission and the League of Cities and Towns had reviewed the bill and found no legal problems.
The House approved the amended bill on a recorded vote of 68 yeas and 2 nays. The measure will be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration.
