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Utah (US-UT)

Market Type: Deregulated (Retail Choice)
SSS Relevance: ⭐⭐⭐ High
Grid Carbon Intensity: ~600 gCO₂/kWh

SSS Factors: significant nuclear capacity, hydroelectric resources, regulated market structure

1. Overview​

Utah's electricity market is vertically integrated, with Rocky Mountain Power (a subsidiary of PacifiCorp) serving as the primary provider for over 1 million residential customers 1. The state remains a net exporter of electricity, producing approximately 20% more power than it consumes 1.

The generation mix is undergoing a structural shift from coal toward natural gas and renewables. As of 2024, renewable energy sources accounted for approximately 22% of total electricity generation, a significant increase from 15.5% in 2023 2. This rise contrasts with a decline in coal reliance, which dropped from 75% in 2015 to an estimated 45% in 2025, while natural gas comprises roughly 32% of the mix 3.

Despite this transition, Utah has a high carbon intensity. The state ranks 8th highest in the U.S. for carbon dioxide emissions, producing 1,322 lbs/MWh (~599 gCO2/kWh) 1. Fossil fuels still drove approximately 85% of the energy mix in 2023 1.

Utah maintains some of the lowest residential electricity prices in the nation, averaging 13.75 ¢/kWh compared to the national average of 18.05 ¢/kWh 4. However, utilities have faced scrutiny for proposing rate increases of up to 30.5% to address rising fuel and infrastructure costs 4. The state is also expanding its energy portfolio through participation in the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) and the development of advanced technologies like geothermal, hydrogen, and compressed-air energy storage 5.

2. Market Structure​

Utah operates a fully regulated electricity market without retail choice for residential consumers. The state utilizes a vertically integrated model where a single utility manages generation, transmission, and distribution. Consequently, residents and most businesses must purchase electricity from their local regulated utility at rates set by the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) 6. While a task force was formed in the late 1990s to study deregulation, the state ultimately decided to remain regulated, influenced by energy crises and price volatility observed in other states like California 7.

Grid Management and ISO/RTO Status​

Utah is not part of an Independent System Operator (ISO) or Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) 8. Instead, the grid operates under a traditional bilateral market structure. The primary grid operator is Rocky Mountain Power (a subsidiary of PacifiCorp), which owns and operates the majority of the transmission and distribution systems 8.

In the absence of an RTO, regional transmission planning is conducted through NorthernGrid, a multi-state association established in 2020 8. Other significant transmission owners include the Intermountain Power Agency, Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), and Deseret Power Electric Cooperative 9. Ongoing discussions regarding the formation of a Western RTO or integration with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) exist; however, state officials and utilities have expressed concerns regarding governance and the protection of Utah ratepayer interests 8.

Utility Ownership Models​

Utah's utility landscape is divided into three primary ownership models:

  • Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs): Private, for-profit corporations regulated by the PSC. Rocky Mountain Power is the state's only investor-owned electric utility 10.
  • Municipal Utilities: Community-owned, non-profit entities managed by city governments. These entities are not rate-regulated by the PSC; decisions are made by locally elected city councils or boards 10.
  • Electric Cooperatives: Private, not-for-profit businesses owned by the members they serve. While they operate under democratic member control, they are generally regulated by the PSC. Advocacy is provided by the Utah Rural Electric Association (URECA) 10.

3. Clean Energy Policy​

Utah does not enforce a mandatory statewide Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Instead, the state relies on a voluntary goal-based system and specific legislative acts that allow local communities to opt into clean energy programs.

Statewide Goals and Standards

  • Voluntary Renewable Portfolio Goal: Established under the Energy Resource and Carbon Emission Reduction Act (Utah Code Ann. § 54-17-602), the state set a voluntary goal for 20% of adjusted retail electric sales to come from renewable sources by 2025 11.
  • Applicability: This goal applies to investor-owned utilities (IOUs), municipal utilities, and electric cooperatives, though compliance is not mandatory 12.
  • Compliance Mechanisms: Utilities can meet targets using Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or direct generation/purchasing. Solar systems operational before January 1, 2016, receive a 2.0 credit multiplier 13.

Community Renewable Energy Act

  • Enacted in 2019 (HB 411), this law allows Utah communities to partner with Rocky Mountain Power to achieve 100% net-renewable electricity by 2030 14.
  • At least 18 to 24 local governments have opted into this program, including Salt Lake City, Park City, Moab, Ogden, and Summit County 14.

Recent Legislative Shifts (2025–2026)

  • New Renewable Taxes: HB 378 (2025) introduced a tax of $1,050 per megawatt of capacity annually for new wind and solar facilities starting in 2026 15.
  • Incentive Phase-out: State tax credits for large-scale solar, wind, and geothermal projects are scheduled to end for systems beginning operations after 2028 15.
  • Grid Reliability: HB 212 (2025) prioritizes "cutting-edge grid infrastructure" to maintain reliability as intermittent energy sources are added 15.

Emerging Technologies and Incentives

  • Residential Plug-In Solar: In 2025, Utah became the first state to pass a law allowing residents to plug small solar systems directly into standard wall sockets, provided systems meet safety certifications 8.
  • Commercial PACE: The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program allows commercial building owners to finance energy efficiency and renewable projects with up to 100% cost recovery 14.

4. Utility Landscape​

Utah's electricity market is served by a mix of investor-owned utilities (IOUs), non-profit cooperatives, and municipal utilities.

Primary Investor-Owned Utility (IOU)

  • Rocky Mountain Power: A subsidiary of PacifiCorp and part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Rocky Mountain Power is the largest electric utility in the state. It serves approximately three-fourths of Utah's geographic area and the vast majority of its population 10.
  • Other IOUs in the state include Dominion Energy Utah (formerly Questar Gas) and Enbridge Gas, though these primarily focus on natural gas 16.

Electric Cooperatives

  • These non-profit, consumer-owned utilities primarily serve rural areas and are governed by boards elected by member-owners. The state is represented by the Utah Rural Electric Cooperative Association (URECA).
  • Key cooperatives include Bridger Valley Electric Association, Dixie Power, Empire Electric Association, Garkane Energy, Moon Lake Electric Association, Mt. Wheeler Power, Raft River Electric, and Wells Rural Electric 17.

Municipal Utilities

  • Municipal utilities are community-owned entities managed by local governments on a not-for-profit basis.
  • Utah Municipal Power Agency (UMPA): Includes member cities such as Provo (the state's largest municipal utility), Spanish Fork, Salem, Levan, Manti, and Nephi.
  • Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS): Provides wholesale energy to members including Bountiful, Logan, St. George, Springville, Price, Payson, and Heber Light & Power 10.

5. SSS-Eligible Resources​

ResourceTypeCapacity (MW)SSS EligibleNotes
while the regional Glen CanyonHydro1,320✅ Yes (pre-RPS)Legacy hydro
largest facility within the state is the Flaming GorgeHydro152✅ Yes (pre-RPS)Legacy hydro

6. EAC/REC Registry Infrastructure​

Utah does not maintain a state-specific registry for tracking Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) or Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Instead, the state utilizes the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS) as its official tracking system [1][3]. WREGIS is an independent, web-based registry operated as a division of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) and serves the Western Interconnection, covering 14 western states, two Canadian provinces, and portions of Mexico [1][3].

System Functions and Governance Within WREGIS, a unique serial number is created for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy produced by registered facilities. This "minting" process standardizes EACs as RECs to verify renewable claims and ensure each MWh is claimed only once [2]. The Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) recognizes RECs handled through WREGIS, while the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) serves as the primary point of contact for energy monitoring and reporting [2][3].

Compliance and Usage Utah operates under a voluntary renewable energy goal rather than a mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). WREGIS supports the verification of these voluntary targets and compliance with state policies [1][2]. Major utilities in the state, such as Rocky Mountain Power, utilize WREGIS to manage renewable energy programs and Export Credit Rates (ECR) [2].

Interoperability and Transfers While Utah-based projects register in WREGIS, RECs can be transferred to other regional tracking systems. Systems such as M-RETS (now CleanCounts) allow for certificate imports and exports to facilitate sales in different markets [1]. ⚠️ As of late 2025, a software transition is underway; CleanCounts is scheduled to end its software services agreement with WREGIS in December 2027, though system reliability is expected to remain consistent during this period [1].

Administrative Details

  • Banking: RECs in Utah can be banked for future use but cannot be used if they have already satisfied another state's renewable energy requirements [3].
  • Contact: For inquiries regarding asset registration, the Utah Office of Energy Development can be reached at 801-538-8732 or energy@utah.gov [3].

7. Grid Emissions​

Generation Mix​

Scope 2 Reporting​

  • SB 253 requires Scope 2 reporting for companies >$1B revenue

Source: EPA eGRID, EIA, state regulatory filings

References​

Sources & Last Updated​

Research Date: 2026-03-10
Data Sources: EIA, EPA eGRID, state regulatory filings, SerpAPI research aggregation

This page was generated using automated research and may contain inaccuracies. Verify critical data with primary sources.

Footnotes​

  1. pew.org ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  2. eia.gov ↩

  3. pew.org +1, eia.gov ↩

  4. Electric Choice ↩ ↩2

  5. pew.org +3, eia.gov ↩

  6. Utah Legislature (.gov) +9; Quick Electricity ↩

  7. Quick Electricity ↩

  8. Utah Legislature (.gov) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  9. Office of Energy Development (.gov) ↩

  10. commerce.utah.gov ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  11. Utah Legislature (.gov) +1, Colorado State University ↩

  12. Colorado State University ↩

  13. Colorado State University +1, Utah.gov ↩

  14. SLC.gov ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  15. Utah Clean Energy ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  16. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) ↩

  17. www.ureca.org ↩