A Rocky Mountain Power pilot program established in 2007 to study whether it made sense to offer financial incentives that encourage Utahns to purchase and install solar panels on their homes and businesses is facing its sunset next year.

And now, the question is whether state utility regulators will want to allow the sun to rise once again on the program or let it go dark for good.

Utah Clean Energy, an advocacy group promoting the use of renewable energy systems throughout the state, wants the company's incentive program not only renewed, but expanded, said Sara Baldwin, the group's senior policy associate.

Currently, the program is tiny. Although the utility's current incentive pays residents and business owners $1.55 per watt for installing a solar power system, there has been only enough funding each year for about 30 systems, or around 107,000 watts.

"If allowed to expand, this program could support significant investments in clean, renewable solar power across Utah, providing jobs and new economic development," Baldwin said."We think it makes sense for both consumers and the company."

Rocky Mountain Power, however, said the program has accomplished its objectives and provided it with important information about the use of solar panels by its customers and how that use impacts its electrical distribution system.

It isn't eager for it to be continued.

"The benefits of solar systems primarily are for customers individually. They don't offer a significant benefit to our electrical system by helping us better manage peak demand," said Dave Eskelsen, a Rocky Mountain Power spokesman.

He said asking the company's customers to continue to subsidize the installation of solar power systems doesn't seem reasonable.

Eskelsen said other state and federal incentives exist for those who want to install solar power systems on their homes and businesses. Also, he said the company's net metering program will pay the users of alternative energy system the retail rate for any excess electricity the they produce.

Baldwin, though, argues that conventional energy like oil and natural gas have enjoyed subsidies for years and the same consideration now should be given to clean alternative sources of power.

"Traditional energy providers have utilized incentives in order to provide affordable energy to consumers, and now the next generation of energy must utilize the same type of incentives to provide affordable, sustainable energy to consumers today," she said.

The Utah PSC is asking the public to comment on whether or not to continue and expand Rocky Mountain Power's solar power incentive program. —

Give your feedback

Utahns who would like to comment on the future of Rocky Mountain Power's Solar Incentive Program can email the Public Service Commission at psc@utah.gov and reference Docket No. 07-035-T14. Or write the PSC at Heber M. Wells Bldg., Fourth Floor, 160 E. 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Comments are due May 23.