UTAH ASSOCIATION OF ENERGY USERS

In 2024, the Utah Association of Energy Users (UAE) continued its pivotal role in representing Utah’s large industrial energy consumers, delivering impactful results across regulatory, legislative, and planning arenas. UAE remained a steadfast advocate for affordable and fair energy rates, actively engaging in multiple high-stakes proceedings before the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) and participating in key regional and federal discussions.

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Regulatory Advocacy

 

UAE played a central role in shaping the outcomes of significant regulatory cases, including Rocky Mountain Power’s (RMP) 2024 General Rate Case. UAE’s expert testimony and analysis contributed to scrutinizing cost increases, particularly around Net Power Costs, wildfire mitigation expenses, and liability insurance premiums, ensuring that industrial customers’ interests were strongly represented. UAE was instrumental in advocating for more equitable cost allocations and pushing back on proposals like the Capacity Reservation Charge.

Additionally, UAE engaged in the Energy Balancing Account (EBA) and REC Balancing Account (RBA) dockets, working to mitigate substantial cost recovery proposals by RMP. The organization also participated in wildfire mitigation and insurance workshops, collaborating on long-term solutions to rising wildfire-related costs.

 

Legislative Engagement

 

During the 2024 Utah Legislative Session, UAE monitored and influenced 18 energy-related bills. The organization successfully advocated for balanced policies that protect industrial consumers, addressing complex issues such as coal plant operations, wildfire risk funding, and resource planning criteria. UAE’s work ensured that new legislation reflected the needs of Utah's industrial energy users amid shifting energy policy landscapes.

 

Resource Planning and Market Design

 

UAE remained the only dedicated voice for large energy users in PacifiCorp’s Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process, advocating for resource plans that balance cost, reliability, and fairness across the six-state system. UAE also engaged in the Multi-State Process (MSP), collaborating with other stakeholders to shape cost allocation methodologies that reflect the diverse needs of different states, especially as PacifiCorp's resource portfolio evolves.

 

Demand-Side Management and Natural Gas Issues

 

UAE continued its leadership on the Demand Side Management (DSM) steering committees for both RMP and Enbridge Gas Utah, ensuring DSM programs remain cost-effective and beneficial for industrial users. The organization also participated actively in the review of the Enbridge acquisition of Dominion Energy Utah, securing key ratepayer protections in the merger agreement.