Moab staff outlines Utah Renewable Communities plan, estimates $3–$4/month per participant

Alexi, a city staff member, told the Moab City Council on Nov. 12 that Utah Renewable Communities (URC) is a 19‑community effort aimed at achieving net 100% clean electricity for participating cities and counties by 2030. Alexi said participation would not change a customer’s retail utility — customers in the program would remain Rocky Mountain Power customers — but it would change the source of electricity supplied to participating customers.

The program bundles purchasing power across communities to help bring new renewable resources online while allowing residents to opt out. Alexi said initial estimates suggest participation would raise household electricity costs roughly $3–$4 per month, and that low‑income customers would receive outreach and a monthly bill credit of up to $7 and would be eligible for a waived termination fee.

Alexi described the program timeline: enabling legislation was passed in 2019, communities adopted resolutions and interlocal agreements, Moab signed on as an “anchor” and contributed roughly $8,500, and the URC application is now at the state Public Service Commission. Staff said the PSC will consider unresolved operational items at an upcoming hearing in Salt Lake City (with a virtual option), and if the PSC approves as early as January 2026 participating jurisdictions would have 90 days to adopt ordinances to join.

Alexi emphasized that URC participation would not change service reliability or the identity of the retail utility but would provide an additional choice for residents and could bring regional investment to new projects. The update closed with staff saying they will return with more specific cost estimates after the PSC rules on outstanding items.