UTAH ASSOCIATION OF ENERGY USERS
WHO WE ARE
UAE provides a wide range of regulatory services to its members to keep electricity and natural gas rates affordable for the organization's members, many of whom compete globally. UAE is actively involved in the representation of industrial customers before the Utah Legislature and Public Utilities Commissions. The organization provides expert testimony in utility proceedings for Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp) and Enbridge Gas Company on electricity issues and natural gas issues, including gas transportation.
At the regional and federal levels, UAE provides leadership and intervention on behalf of its members before the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) - the electric reliability council in the West - and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). On policy issues, UAE works to support our members' overall policy plans by resolving issues with administrative, legislative, and regulatory entities. UAE also participates in and monitors what is occurring at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on issues that impact the region and state.
July 2025 Newsletter
This month’s UAE Energy Update unpacks a summer full of tension and transformation. Here’s what you’ll find in the July edition:
📈 Rocky Mountain Power’s Summer Spike
RMP is raising rates again — this time by $24 million — just weeks after its general rate case decision. The reason? A massive spike in wholesale market prices from last summer. It's a wake-up call for customers navigating volatility in western power markets.
⚛️ Utah’s First Commercial Nuclear Proposal Emerges
Texas-based Oklo Inc. wants to build a next-gen microreactor in Utah. With backing from Microsoft and the open support of Gov. Cox, this could be a milestone moment — but critics warn the technology is unproven and the location raises red flags.
🛠️ Congress Mulls Overhaul of FERC Authority
A bipartisan group in Congress is working on major updates to the Federal Power Act — the first in decades — aiming to give FERC more tools to resolve regional disputes and strengthen interregional transmission. Expect friction as regulators, utilities, and lawmakers wrestle over jurisdiction.
⚡ Gridlocked: Colorado’s Grid Operator Fight Heats Up
Should Colorado join California’s CAISO or SPP in the Midwest? It’s turning into a political and economic chess match. The decision could reshape grid governance across the Mountain West.
💰 Uranium Royalty Bill Rattles the Industry
A new bill in Congress would impose royalties on domestic uranium producers. Supporters say it’s about fairness; opponents warn it could crush U.S. uranium projects just as demand is ramping up.
📊 Also in this issue: Electricity price trends across western hubs, and an update on natural gas fundamentals.
🔌 Want to stay informed, empowered, and represented in Utah’s fast-moving energy landscape?
👉 Become a UAE member today and join Utah’s leading network of energy users shaping the region’s future.
