New Utah law helps cities pursue 100 percent net renewable status
Apr 22, 2019, 12:00 PM
In this file photo, charging stations for electric vehicles are shown in Salt Lake City on April 22, 2019. Photo: Mary Richards, KSL Newsradio
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has a new law that allows cities or communities who sign on by the end of this year to use more renewable energies, faster.
Signs like this one help drivers spot charging stations for electric vehicles in downtown Salt Lake City. Photo: Mary Richards
H.B. 411 sponsor Rep. Stephen Handy, R-Layton, says they worked on it for three years.
“It enables three initial communities, Salt Lake City, Park City and unincorporated Summit County, to go net 100 percent renewable by 2030. But this is not them going out on their own, this is a partnership with Rocky Mountain Power,” he said.
The President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, Gary Hoogeveen, says these communities promise not to pass higher costs on.
“If it does cost more for these communities to go to 100 percent net renewable quicker then the utility itself is going to, they will be paying for that cost,” said Hoogeveen.
We believe in the power of partnership to achieve our communities’ highest goals. RMP President & CEO Gary Hoogeveen joined in today’s Community Renewable Energy Act celebration. pic.twitter.com/v6FUvafG23
— Rocky Mountain Power UT (@RMP_Utah) April 22, 2019
“They can have an opportunity to see that their utility costs might be a little higher. And they can decide, do I want to be more green-oriented, or do I want to go back to my regular rate. And some will decide that,” said Handy.
The deadline for cities and communities to sign on is December 31 of this year.
Monday morning, Salt Lake City showed off 8 new vehicle charging stations in connection with the bill. They are on the north side of 500 South between 300 and 200 East.
🌎 Excited to open 8 new EV stations! pic.twitter.com/Od88aPua7y
— Mayor J. Biskupski (@slcmayor) April 22, 2019
In total, Salt Lake city hosts 38 charging ports across the city, with two dozen at the airport.
