Legislation passed Thursday to enroll Rocky Mountain Power customers in the Cool Keeper program that cycles residential air conditioning off and on during peak use to conserve energy and save costs.
Without that tool, rolling brown-outs could occur, said House sponsor Mel Brown.
Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville voiced concerns about SB47.
"This is already an opt-in program," Dunnigan said. "This will make it opt out. I worry about our senior citizens who would have their air conditioning shut off and have no idea why."
Rep. Brad Dee, R-Washington Terrace, spoke in favor of the bill.
"There are two alternatives -- either save money through this program or raise utility bills," Dee said. "This is a very proactive program. If you don't want to play, just opt out."
According to SB47, utility customers will be informed before a load-control device gets installed. The bill now goes to the governor.
