Earlier this year, Rocky Mountain Power, which provides electricity to 80% of Utahns, shocked its Utah customers by asking the Public Service Commission to allow it to increase rates by 30% -- about $24.14 a month.
The utility now claims that it will be satisfied with a mere 18% rate hike — adding $14.28 a month to our bills. However, the rest of the original 30% rate hike request has simply been moved into a separate request, meaning that Rocky Mountain Power would still get its entire increase.
The utility is asking for even MORE of our money in different proceedings, including asking customers to pay an additional $50 million for wildfire liability insurance, the premiums for which dramatically increased after Rocky Mountain Power’s parent company, PacifiCorp, was found negligent for causing catastrophic wildfires in Oregon.
More than 85% of the rate increase stems directly from fuel costs for Rocky Mountain Power's coal and gas plants. Of course, the burning of these dirty fuels directly contributes to climate change, resulting in hotter, drier conditions and greater risk of wildfires, thereby increasing insurance costs.
Yet, Rocky Mountain Power has the audacity to claim that climate-driven wildfires have nothing to do with the 48 million metric tons of climate pollution that its coal power plants spew into the air every year. For context, economy-wide CO2 emissions for ALL of Utah were 62.1 million metric tons in 2021.
Tell the Public Service Commission what you think of Rocky Mountain Power’s massive rate hike request to foot the bill for the utility's poor decision-making.
Use the form at right to tell the commission how Rocky Mountain Power’s rate hike would impact you and why you want Rocky Mountain Power to end its coal and gas addiction. A personal note gives your message greater impact!