Ogden residents split over renewable energy opt-out program as council schedules follow-ups

A broad swath of residents spoke both in favor of and opposed to the Utah Renewable Communities Community Renewable Energy (CRE) opt-out program at the April 7 Ogden City Council meeting, leaving council members with outstanding questions about rollout details and notice for renters and new residents.

Supporters including Rod Perry and Linda Zavaloff argued the program would improve affordability and expand consumer choice. Perry said the falling cost of wind and solar lowers generation prices and pointed to Texas and South Australia as examples of renewables reducing bills. “If we're going to solve the affordability issue with regard to energy...the only way we can do it is to change to renewable resources,” Perry told the council.

Other residents — including Tiana Utomo and Steven Van Wagner — urged caution about opt-out mechanics, potential exit fees and how the city will inform residents. Van Wagner estimated the program could represent roughly $1.7 million for Ogden when scaled and said automatic enrollment risks leaving renters, students and newcomers enrolled without noticing their opt-out period. “If they miss that window, they may have to pay an exit fee,” he said.

Several commenters referenced state-level background: Tiana Utomo noted 2019’s House Bill 411 and asked council members to consider legislative intent and protections for individual choice. Residents also sought clarity on how the $4 monthly estimate was calculated and whether generation facilities would be located in Ogden or elsewhere.

Council members acknowledged the program’s potential and said staff will hold additional work sessions to provide more data on costs, opt-out notice procedures, timelines and protections for renters and low-income residents. One council speaker noted that Rocky Mountain Power had agreed to extend the cancellation window from three to six months at the Public Service Commission level, a detail several commenters cited as relevant to consumer protections.

What’s next: Council members said they will hold another presentation and follow-up work session to address outstanding questions about rollout, opt-out notification, renter protections and the program’s long-term fiscal implications. No ordinance vote occurred at the April 7 meeting.