The Utah Office of Energy Development (OED) has been selected to receive $62 million by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to launch the Solar for All Utah (S4AU) program. Utah Clean Energy is among the partners of the project, which will increase access to the benefits of solar power for traditionally underserved and low-income communities in Utah.
“Solar for All of Utah is an unprecedented opportunity for Utah. Through this program, Utah will be able to extend solar electricity to residents who need it the most while significantly reducing energy costs. Utah Clean Energy couldn’t be more thrilled to be one of the partners working with Utah’s Office of Energy Development Solar for All of Utah program,” states Jennifer Eden, Senior Climate & Clean Energy Associate at Utah Clean Energy.
The S4AU initiative is intentionally designed to bring solar energy resources to those who stand to benefit the most. Rooftop solar not only reduces monthly energy costs, but also empowers families with greater financial stability and resiliency, particularly for low-income households that spend a disproportionate amount of income on energy bills. S4AU is a multi-year effort that will begin with intensive program design that will go beyond rooftop solar to include inclusive financing alternatives, robust community engagement, workforce development, and innovative partnerships to accelerate solar access.
“We’ll be leveraging these funds to supply grants and low-cost financing for those who would normally find the cost of installing solar power prohibitive,” said Greg Todd, Director of OED. “In turn, funded projects will improve grid resiliency, lower emissions across the state, and lower monthly utility bills for program participants. Our office sees this as a win for our utilities, our air, and, most importantly, our consumers. We are still working out details with the EPA and will be sharing more information as they are finalized.”
Utah is one of 60 Solar for All recipients announced across the country. The EPA estimates that the Solar for All initiatives will collectively generate:
- $350+ million annual savings on electric bills for overburdened households.
- Reduce 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions cumulatively.
- Solar projects funded by this program will generate over $8 billion in household savings over the 25-year lifetime of the assets.
