This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The term "short-sighted" can mean near-sighted or be used to describe lacking imagination or foresight — the perfect description of Rocky Mountain Power's (RMPs) proposed net metering fees for home owners who have invested in rooftop solar.

The way we make and use energy is fundamentally changing. However, the way our utility makes a profit is based on an antiquated, 100-year-old business model. Even more concerning is that in reviewing Rocky Mountain Power's proposed new fees for rooftop solar, it is obvious they are working to maintain the status-quo rather than modernize their business model. As a Utah business owner and a startup investor, I respect that it is Rocky Mountain Power's duty to seek ways to be profitable, but their proposed rate changes for solar customers is an old-school approach that will stifle Utah's economic growth.

The U.S. led the global economy in the 20th century by investing in transportation infrastructure, and can lead in the 21st century by investing in clean energy and all the jobs it creates. With the recent announcement of the U.S. pull out from the Paris Climate Accord, and other attempts to back away from clean energy progress, now more than ever, it behooves local industry, utilities and government to nurture a clean energy future.

Rocky Mountain Power has the opportunity to modernize its business model to be both profitable and innovative by incorporating new technology and encouraging private investments in clean energy. By embracing a new business model, our utility could be at the forefront of a state-of-the-art, resilient electricity system.

After all, we all share energy resources, so it makes sense to diversify. The argument that early clean energy adopters aren't paying their fair share of the overall infrastructure costs is false. More rooftop solar means utilities invest less in new power plants, creating savings for all customers. As the cost of these technologies continue to come down they will be cheaper for all, not to mention cheaper in the sense that you don't have to pay the sun to shine and the wind to blow.

Furthermore, investing in your own power means more predictable costs, which is a tremendous value for business and consumers as we don't have to worry about jumps in our utility bills. The sun is a dependable energy source uncontrolled by the whims of people, and we can avoid such things as the interruption in Middle Eastern oil exports that we saw in the 1970s. Once our clean energy grid is finished a few decades from now, we will all enjoy cheaper energy prices, a safer geopolitical source of energy and a healthier planet.

Poorly conceived net-metering rulings led to the destruction of the once-robust rooftop solar industry in Nevada, and can potentially do the same to Utah's thriving solar industry. Recently the Nevada Legislature had to go back to fix the net metering law in order to revive the state's rooftop solar market.

Let's get it right in Utah. I encourage Rocky Mountain Power to work together with the rooftop solar industry, homeowners, and regulators to find solutions that will allow for the evolution of the solar market.

Now more than ever, utilities must work with industry to be innovative, and move forward with solutions to demonstrate that the United States continues to be a world leader in clean energy adoption, and that Utah continues to be a leader in innovation, technology and rooftop solar adoption.

Ryan Smith is the founder of Impact Hub Salt Lake and of Variance Ventures.