Utah is certainly at an energy policy crossroads, as suggested in the recent article, “Yes, Utah still relies on coal, but it’s a shrinking part of the region’s energy mix.” And from the state’s energy export perspective, coal remains a losing proposition since several of our PacifiCorp partner states will stop buying Rocky Mountain Power’s coal-fired electricity in 2025 (Washington, California) and 2029 (Oregon).
Nevertheless, RMP would commit its Utah customers to subsidizing coal-fired energy through 2040, despite escalating costs of climate change impacts driven by the fossil-fueled electricity we’re paying the utility more to produce. The 30% rate increase RMP floated earlier this year turns out to be an underestimate, given rising wildfire mitigation expenses, rapidly increasing liability insurance premiums, and carbon fuel market uncertainty.
Fortunately, RMP ratepayers are not helpless hostages of the corporation. Utah’s Public Service Commission must still approve the huge rate hike RMP proposes, and has opened a window of opportunity for Utahns to express opposition through the rate case docket, #24-035-04. Comments can be submitted to psc@utah.gov. Ratepayer voices can help push RMP out of the coal bin for good.
Stan Holmes, Salt Lake City
