September 15, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Accelerating renewable energy procurement could save Utah families millions and possibly billions in energy costs
Salt Lake City, UT — The energy experts at Utah Clean Energy have formally requested that the Utah Public Service Commission open an “expedited investigatory docket” to explore fast tracking the procurement for clean energy projects in Utah. The goal is to capitalize on expiring federal tax credits for solar, wind, and energy storage projects, a move that has the potential to save Utahns millions, or even billions, in future energy costs.
“The question isn’t if Utah invests in new energy resources, we know we need to bring on new energy. The real question is how much those investments will cost,” states Sarah Wright, CEO of Utah Clean Energy. “This is a once in a decade opportunity to procure zero-fuel-cost renewable projects at record low prices.”
The time limited opportunity comes in the wake of H.R. 1, passed by Congress to end clean energy tax credits, and accompanying guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury that limits the scope for clean energy projects to qualify for tax credits. There is now a narrow but achievable window for energy developers to still access Section 45Y Clean Energy Production Tax Credits (PTC) and Section 48E Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credits (ITC) to build needed new energy projects in Utah.
The ITC and PTC dramatically reduce the cost of electricity generated by new renewable energy projects which translates into substantial long-term savings on energy bills for Utah families and businesses. According to Utah Clean Energy’s calculations, new energy resources that can leverage the ITC and PTC are significantly cheaper than any other new electricity resource available today. The catch is that only projects that are approved and underway within the new federal timeline will be able to utilize the credits.
“By expediting the procurement of new clean energy projects, PacifiCorp and the Commission can lock-in millions, possibly billions of dollars in energy savings for Utahns. But speed is essential in this case, and we don’t have time to waste,” states Wright.
In PacifiCorp’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, the utility identified nearly 1500 megawatts of additional solar and wind resources needed to meet Utah’s growing energy demand. However, the utility doesn’t foresee bringing these projects online until the early 2030s, making them ineligible for tax credits. Utah Clean Energy is calling on the Commission and PacifiCorp to initiate a rapid “open call” for new renewable energy projects and streamline the approval process. This will allow for shovel-ready clean energy projects to get underway in time to leverage federal tax credits.Â
“This is a rare opportunity to invest in needed new energy resources while harnessing homegrown resources that are by far the most cost effective right now. These ultra-affordable resources will contribute to Governor Cox’s Operation Gigawatt goal of doubling energy generation over the next 10 years while ensuring Utahns have reliable, affordable clean energy for decades to come,” states Wright.
In response to Utah Clean Energy’s filing, the Commission has opened a request for comment. Any interested person may submit comments on Utah Clean Energy’s request on or before Friday, September 19, 2025.
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Media Contacts:
Brandy Smith
Utah Clean Energy Communications Director
801.953.9985 | brandy@utahcleanenergy.org
We would like to clarify that Utah Clean Energy is not a solar company. We are a nonprofit organization that advocates for solar and other clean energy technologies, but we do not install or sell solar in any way.