Clean Energy, Affordability, and Energy Security

The fallout of the war in Iran is a reminder that clean energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles are not just good for the climate, but also critical for energy security for households and our nation. As it has become difficult to get oil and gas out of the Strait of Hormuz, the global price of these commodities has gone up significantly, with the average price of gasoline at about $4 this week, up about $1 from a month ago. Bloomberg News shared that many industry observers expect that “the crisis is only beginning.” This comes at a time when Utahns are already seeing electricity rates creep up. These rapidly rising prices demonstrate the risks and volatility of remaining dependent on fossil fuels for electricity, heating our homes, and powering our vehicles.

We hope for a quick resolution to the conflict and that oil prices come down. Seeing costs jump like this demonstrates just how important homegrown renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and energy storage are to meeting our energy needs while avoiding future price shocks. Specifically:

• Energy efficiency and energy affordability programs remain vitally important: Low-income Americans are the most at risk from rising energy prices. While we can’t directly reduce prices at the pump, we can help low and moderate-income Utahns access our existing energy assistance programs and energy efficiency and weatherization programs that can reduce monthly utility bills. These will soften the blow today and provide critical savings for years to come.
  
  
• Energy efficiency, rooftop solar, and electric vehicles shield us from energy price spikes: Building energy efficiency upgrades, rooftop solar systems, and switching to electric cars, buses, and active transportation reduce energy and fuel costs. For example, EVs cost about half as much to drive per mile than a gas car. And now Utahns can purchase plug-in solar systems that don’t require a contract with the utility. Each of these steps towards true energy independence can protect our wallets. We know that each of these technologies have upfront costs, so it is our goal (and it should be everyone’s!) to make these technologies cheap and available for all Utahns.
  
  
• Solar, wind, geothermal, and batteries are homegrown, affordable, and available today: Utility-scale solar, wind, geothermal, and batteries are homegrown electricity resources that can meet more of our electricity demand without the risk of future price volatility. For example, recent investments in renewable energy helped to reduce rates when natural gas prices went up during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Solar and storage have fallen dramatically in cost over the last decade, and we are encouraged that next-generation geothermal is also seeing similar reductions in costs. By adding more of these resources to our electricity grid, we are offering Utahns greater security and affordability.
  

Actions You Can Take

• Help a friend or neighbor who may be dealing with high energy costs by referring them to energy efficiency and energy assistance programs. These include the state HEAT Program, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and bill support programs by Rocky Mountain Power and Enbridge.
  
  
• Explore the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project’s EV Fuel Savings Tool, which estimates how much you will save on fuel by switching to an EV, depending on what type of car you drive and what county you live in. For example, a family in Provo could save $1,500 per year on fuel by switching from an average combustion pickup truck to an electric version, based on last year’s fuel prices – and with the current spike in gasoline, those savings are even higher! And if you are looking to purchase a car, consider a new or used electric vehicle. Coltura has a shopping tool to locate used and new EVs near you.
  
  
• The Department of Environmental Quality has a great new compendium of state and local incentives for cleaner vehicles. zero-emissions landscaping equipment, and energy efficiency programs, which you can see here.

Actions Policymakers Can Take

• Mayors and council members in 19 communities have an opportunity this spring and summer to lead their communities in bringing online new renewable energy and storage resources to meet your needs through the Utah Renewable Communities Program. Getting those resources developed quickly is a priority to make sure they can qualify for soon-to-expire federal tax credits, to reduce emissions, and to reduce exposure to volatile fuel prices.
  
  
• We urge the U.S. Department of Energy to release the funds awarded to Utah and other states so that we can launch a state Home Energy Rebate Program to offer rebates for home energy upgrades and more efficient appliances. Utah’s expected share is $100 million for energy efficiency programs, enough to reach thousands of homes.
  
  
• Finally, Congress should consider reviving tax credits for electric vehicles and for domestic manufacturing of batteries and EVs that it eliminated last year in the “One Big Beautiful” bill, especially as it debates the federal highway authorization bill. As our colleagues at the Electrification Coalition write: “Diversifying how we power transportation mitigates the risks of oil markets and international conflicts while ensuring that the U.S. auto industry remains globally competitive.”