Moab Approves Auto‑Enrollment in Utah Community Clean Energy Program with $4 Monthly Fee Starting 2027

Context Moab’s City Council voted unanimously on April 28 to join the state‑run Community Clean Energy Program, which already includes 19 Utah municipalities using roughly 20 % of the state’s electrical load. The move supports Moab’s long‑standing goal of 100 % renewable electricity by 2040. Participants will continue receiving power through Rocky Mountain Power, but a flat monthly charge will fund new renewable resources and a low‑income assistance fund.

Key Facts - Residential customers will see a $4 monthly fee ($3.88 participation charge plus a $0.12 surcharge for low‑income aid) unless they submit an opt‑out request. - Qualifying low‑income residents—those with household income at or below 150 % of the federal poverty level and a Rocky Mountain Power bill—will pay $0. - Customers may opt out free of charge during the first six billing cycles; after that, a $30 fee applies. - Nonresidential participants are expected to face about a 5 % increase in electricity costs, though opt‑out fees vary by rate schedule. - Rocky Mountain Power will update its billing system over five months beginning in November 2026, send two notices to customers, and the first program charge will appear on bills in January 2027. - The city estimates a one‑time cost of $4,800 for notice distribution; no ongoing expenses are anticipated.

What It Means By spreading infrastructure expenses across a larger customer base, the program aims to lower the per‑household cost of renewable electricity while expanding clean‑energy access. The auto‑enroll design simplifies participation, and the opt‑out provision preserves consumer choice. Officials note that long‑term rates are not projected to rise and may fall as renewable generation becomes cheaper than new fossil‑fuel plants.

What to watch next The remaining Utah communities have until June 2 to join the program. After billing system updates are complete, watch for the first customer notices in late 2026 and the inaugural $4 charges on January 2027 bills.