This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

The Tribune's editorial on Rocky Mountain Power's new anti-competitive proposal to hike fees for solar customers hits on an important point: Rocky Mountain Power should not be the one calling the shots on Utah's energy future ("We still haven't figured out true value of rooftop solar," Nov. 11).

The new solar fees are part of a concerted effort by monopoly electric utilities nationwide to head off competition from rooftop solar power, which threatens industry profits.

Rather than rush to approve RMP's solar plan, Gov. Gary Herbert and Utah's Public Service Commission should look to the example of neighboring Colorado. When Xcel Energy proposed a similar fee hike for solar customers, state leaders sought out input from the solar industry, environmental groups, consumer advocates and large energy users before making a decision. This inclusive process helped broker a smart compromise that will increase Colorado's solar use, while testing out new approaches to compensate rooftop solar based upon when it is generated.

Utah residents and businesses are demanding a cleaner and more diversified energy supply, including rooftop solar. The Public Service Commission should listen to them before making its decision on a new rooftop solar policy.

Josh Craft

Salt Lake City