This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
In 2010, Utah unveiled a 10-year strategic plan to place the state at the forefront of solving the world's energy challenges. Six years later, affordable rooftop solar power is at risk of disappearing from Utah — and with it, thousands of jobs and millions of dollars from our economy.
Last month, just one day after the election, Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) asked the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) to drastically raise rates for Utah homeowners who invest in rooftop solar through a "transition tariff" to take effect on December 10.
This suspiciously timed request has far-reaching and negative implications for Utah.
Solar is one of the fastest growing industries and job creators in Utah. It generates $313 million of economic benefit for Utahns and employs more than 4,000 individuals.
RMP's proposed new rate structure will destroy this burgeoning industry in our state.
If the PSC grants RMP's request, each of the five largest rooftop solar companies in Utah expects to reduce its workforce in Utah by more than 75 percent in December — putting more than 3,000 hard-working Utahns out of work this holiday season — with the likely long-term result of those jobs leaving the state.
There is already evidence of utilities like RMP abusing its government-granted monopoly power to stifle innovation, and as a result, hurt communities. Last year, NV Energy (RMP's sister company) implemented a similar tariff change in Nevada. The fallout was devastating: Solar applications decreased 99 percent year-over-year, major solar companies abandoned the state, many others were forced to shut down operations and thousands of Nevadans lost their jobs. This will be Utah's bleak reality if RMP gets its way.
The PSC should consider the value of solar and look at both the costs and benefits, including to the environment and the economy. In addition to job creation, the benefits of solar include providing energy for decades at a fixed cost; reducing wear and tear on the electric grid; providing long-term cost savings by eliminating the need to build additional power plants or purchase energy from other sources; and reducing system losses by producing power in the same location where it is consumed.
And given the need to improve Utah's air quality, the PSC should not discount the environmental benefits of solar energy. Indeed, it should reaffirm Utah's support for clean, renewable energy.
The PSC should reject RMP's proposed transition tariff — or at least postpone decision on this tariff until already scheduled August 2017 hearings on the topic.
This is a nuanced issue that demands further analysis and sufficient time for public input. The PSC — and Utahns — should not take it lightly.
Jonathan Johnson is a former candidate for governor in Utah and the former chairman of the Salt Lake Chamber's Clean Air Task Force.