This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

We all like to save money and can agree that Utahns deserve clean, reliable and affordable electricity. Living in the West, we are fortunate to enjoy abundant renewable resources like wind and solar that are already being used to power our homes and businesses at increasingly lower costs. Wider use of these energy sources is good for consumers, our economy and our air quality.

The good news is that Utahns can reap even more of these benefits if we take advantage of a new opportunity to participate in a regional power market.

Our state's largest utility, Rocky Mountain Power, understands that markets improve efficiency and lower the costs of keeping the lights on. That's why it's considering joining a regional power market spanning seven western states, including Utah. The development of this regional market will require the transformation of the existing market in California – the only formally organized electricity market in the western United States.

Here's why it's good for Utahns: A regional power market enables the greater use of renewable resources to provide the reliable electricity production necessary to power our homes and businesses. The market accomplishes this by using a larger operating footprint to balance supply and demand, deploying the lowest-cost resources first. Because renewable forms of generation like wind and solar have no fuel cost (the wind and sun are free, after all), these resources are usually deployed first. If Rocky Mountain Power joins this regional market, it will enable the utility to take greater advantage of both in-state and out-of-state renewables. This will not only help keep our rates low, but will ensure that we as customers receive reliable electricity service from cleaner energy sources. It can also stimulate development for renewable energy within Utah, creating jobs and investment opportunities.

Because the move to a regional power market involves transforming the existing California market, detractors have raised concerns with the current California-centric governance model. They fear that Utah will not have a voice in how the market operates and will somehow lose control over its energy choices. While as a fellow Utahn I can relate to these concerns, they are no longer relevant, as the current governance model is not here to stay. A governance stakeholder process is already underway to create a new and independent entity that will oversee the regional power market while representing the diverse interests of our region. This entity will be governed by an independent board with strong representation from western states, including Utah. At the same time, it will preserve the decision-making authority of the Utah Public Service Commission over Rocky Mountain Power's acquisition of energy resources to meet customer demand.

Utah can and should be a leader in the governance stakeholder process, helping to form the regional power market's independent governing entity so that Utahns get a fair deal now and in the future.

Ultimately, it will take anywhere from two to three years to work out the details necessary for the market's complete transformation. Utah has shown time and again that we can work together with our fellow western states to accomplish a common goal and reap the benefits, all without sacrificing our independence. For example, Rocky Mountain Power recently joined the Energy Imbalance Market, or EIM, which is a limited regional market that enables short-term purchases of energy to balance supply and demand. Utah not only has a meaningful role in EIM governance, but has already realized benefits as a result of Rocky Mountain Power's participation. Since the EIM began operating at the end of 2014, it has achieved $64 million in total benefits. Because these benefits are linked to more efficient operations, they translate into cost savings for Rocky Mountain Power's customers. The more comprehensive regional power market presents Utahns with the opportunity for additional benefits.

In the end, we can all agree that a strong economy, clean and reliable energy, clean air, and low electricity rates are good for Utah's future. Rocky Mountain Power's participation in the new regional power market will help make this future possible. Now is the time for Utah to step up and provide the leadership necessary to shape this important market, for the benefit of all Utahns.

Jennifer Gardner is staff attorney for Western Resource Advocates.