Utahns are dealing with a mounting housing affordability crisis, and Governor Cox’s recently released Utah Housing Strategic Plan is an ambitious step toward addressing this challenge. The plan outlines key policy tactics for increasing access to housing and reducing housing costs. I applaud the team at the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget – especially Laura Hanson, Steve Waldrip, Wayne Niederhauser, and the many, many other contributors – for undertaking this effort! I am honored to have participated in the Plan development process, bringing energy efficiency forward as a critical strategy for housing affordability. At Utah Clean Energy, We’re thrilled to see several of these recommendations included in the Plan, including these three:
- Create financial incentives for energy efficient new home construction and retrofits through new grants or revolving loan programs,
- Launch recognition programs like the proposed Utah First Homes Award to spotlight cities and developers advancing efficient starter homes, and
- Assess workforce training needs to ensure contractors and subcontractors have the skills needed to deliver energy efficient, high-performance homes.
These tactics will help ensure that affordability isn’t just about the purchase price but also about the total cost of living in a home over time – with a focus on keeping utility bills affordable as utility rates increase!
- Read the full Strategic Plan
- Read the Plan Summary
Your Voice Matters
Now is the time to make your voice heard on the Utah Housing Strategic Plan. As the state of Utah moves forward on preparing to implement the Plan, Utahns have an opportunity to weigh in. We’re thrilled to see our tactics included in the Plan and we’re asking you to join us in telling state leaders that you agree that energy-efficient housing needs to be a priority as we tackle Utah’s housing challenges.
Submit your comments here and join us in advocating for homes that are affordable, energy efficient, and built for Utah’s future.
Investing in Efficiency is an Investment in Affordability
Housing costs aren’t just about rent or mortgage payments. A big part of monthly housing expenses goes to utility bills. For many families, these bills can make or break affordability. On average, households spend about 3.5% of their income on energy, but for low-income families, that number doubles to 7%. These energy burdens are why energy efficiency must be part of any housing affordability solution.
By reducing the amount of energy homes consume, we lower utility bills and ease financial strain. Energy efficient homes are not only more affordable to live in, they are also more comfortable, healthy, and resilient. And when homes are built to be energy efficient right from the get-go the families living in them save money from the day they move in.
Utah Families Can Save Millions Each Year
Governor Cox’s plan sets a bold goal: 150,000 new housing units by December 2028. By our calculations, if all these homes are built to higher energy efficiency standards, Utah families could collectively save up to $122 million annually on reduced energy bills! This translates to nearly $5 billion over the next 30 years. Instead of paying higher utility bills, this money could go to family savings, paying college tuition, and other financial priorities for Utah families.
The energy we don’t use is the cheapest form of energy. And as Utah grows at a record pace, prioritizing energy efficient new construction and home retrofits is essential to keeping housing affordable.
Join the cause and make your voice heard today by sharing your comments about the Utah Housing Strategic Plan using the Strategic Plan Feedback Form!
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.