CREA discusses pathways for Utah's renewable energy goal and cost effectiveness

Summit County Council members engaged in a detailed discussion on renewable energy strategies during their recent meeting on March 8, 2023. A key focus was on the methodology for achieving the county's ambitious net 100% renewable energy goal.

Council member Robinson raised questions about how to effectively meet personal and community energy targets. The council emphasized the complexity of tracking renewable energy credits (RECs), which are essential for recognizing the contribution of renewable energy to the grid. Currently, Rocky Mountain Power's integrated resource plan indicates that up to 58% of its energy mix could be renewable by 2030. However, without a state mandate, Utah customers are not benefiting from these renewable resources.

To bridge the gap between the projected renewable energy supply and the county's net 100% goal, the council discussed the importance of acquiring new program resources specifically designed to serve this objective. The council's analysis suggested that a balanced approach—retiring existing RECs while simultaneously developing new resources—would be the most cost-effective strategy.

While there is a case for pursuing a more aggressive path by building all new resources to meet the entire 100% goal, the council recognized the necessity of maintaining cost-effectiveness in their plans. This pragmatic approach aims to ensure that Summit County can achieve its renewable energy ambitions while also considering financial implications for the community.

As the council moves forward, the discussions highlight a commitment to sustainable energy solutions that align with both environmental goals and economic realities. The next steps will involve further exploration of resource acquisition strategies to fulfill the county's renewable energy vision.