Utah has the potential to lead the nation in clean, affordable, dispatchable energy. Because our state sits closer to the heat of the Earth’s core, drilling is faster and cheaper here than in most places. We’re already seeing what’s possible: Fervo’s project in Milford is scheduled to begin delivering 100 megawatts of geothermal power to California’s grid this fall.
Utah currently produces about 75 megawatts of geothermal electricity — enough to power roughly 56,000 to 75,000 homes. But that represents only 0.1% of our total geothermal potential. Most of the geothermal energy produced here is sold out of state because higher-priced markets make those contracts more profitable. Meanwhile, Utahns are left wondering why we aren’t benefiting from our own abundant, homegrown resources.
The answer lies in policy and priorities. Despite Utah’s “all of the above” energy strategy, Rocky Mountain Power and state leadership continue to lag behind. Utah remains heavily invested in coal, even as our air quality worsens and the shrinking Great Salt Lake intensifies pollution and health risks. We are failing to take advantage of the clean energy resources literally beneath our feet.
During the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers focused heavily on nuclear power — one of the most expensive forms of energy, with projects taking more than a decade to complete. By contrast, Fervo’s geothermal project reached the dispatch stage in just three years. The difference in timelines should speak for itself.
Utah deserves an energy plan that prioritizes clean, reliable and economically sensible solutions. Geothermal checks every box.
Utahns should contact the Public Service Commission (psc.utah.gov) and the members of the Utah Legislature’s Public Utilities, Energy and Technology Committee. Tell them to support investment in geothermal development over continued coal dependence or costly nuclear projects. Utah has the resources. We need the political will to use them.
Kathryn Kair, Salt Lake City