Council hears update on technical hearing over renewable-communities plan, questions about costs and opt-out mechanics

A council briefing on Dec. 16 summarized a technical hearing between an agency and Rocky Mountain Power over a proposed renewable-communities program and the treatment of renewable-energy credits, program costs and opt-out mechanics for customers.

Janine, who followed the hearing, told the council that testimony had been largely technical and that some issues remain unresolved. "They submitted written testimony and then just presented a summary of their testimony," she said, describing witnesses that included utility finance and planning staff. Janine said Rocky Mountain Power had initially proposed a longer payment schedule for certain costs — "Rocky Mountain Power initially wanted, like, 12 years of payments ... they've kind of narrowed that down to about 5 or 3" — but many details remain under negotiation.

Council members pressed staff on key consumer and municipal questions: whether a high opt-out rate by customers would shift remaining costs to cities; how opt-out choices transfer when renters move; and whether landlords or renters are charged if a landlord pays the utility account. Janine said customers who move to new providers or nonparticipating communities would not carry the selection with them and that a new customer receives the same opt-out window when signing up. She also said the agency requested a six-month opt-out window while Rocky Mountain Power proposed three months.

The briefing touched on additional technical topics: economic curtailment (how projects Rocky Mountain Power planned may change if the program proceeds) and federal tax-credit timing that may require projects to start before an upcoming July deadline to qualify. Janine said the Public Utilities Commission will review the positions; some parties had hoped for an early decision, but others indicated a timeline that could stretch into mid-2027.

No action was taken by the council at the work session; the item was an informational update. Staff advised they would monitor the hearing and return with further information if the commission or schedule produces material implications for South Ogden customers or city finances.