Message from Thom Carter

Utah’s all-of-the-above approach to energy ensures its affordability and durability. Energy enables our modern life, and Utah has some of the most reliable and lowest-priced energy in the nation. These two factors empower Utahns to focus less on where our energy comes from and more on improving our quality of life.

One Utah Summit

The One Utah Summit was held in Cedar City in October. Thom Carter facilitated a conversation with Gary Hoogeveen, CEO of Rocky Mountain Power, about the state’s all-of-the-above approach to energy development and the important, sometimes overlooked, role transmission infrastructure plays in getting power to our homes.

Mutual Aid Agreement

The Utah Office of Energy Development facilitated a voluntary Mutual Aid Agreement between Utah’s power companies, which they signed in the Capitol Rotunda on October 7, 2021. This historic agreement sets up systems for power companies to assist one another in restoring power to Utah communities during times of crisis.

Energy Innovation Strategic Plan

OED is tasked with updating the statewide energy plan to ensure Utah’s energy future is secure, innovative, affordable, and reliable. We are currently engaged in a process of gathering public and stakeholder input. once the data-gathering process is complete, we will present a draft plan in February of this year and finalize it by March.

Build Back Better Grant

Utah’s Energy Diversification and Innovation coalition has been chosen as a finalist to receive up to $100 million in grant money to increase Utah’s energy resilience and diversity. This is an exciting opportunity for Utah as we diversify our energy sector, and as a finalist we received $500,000 to help us further develop our plan.

Scholarship

Together with Chevron, each year OED gives out multiple Energy Pathways Scholarships. These scholarships are for college, university, trade, or technical school students who are pursuing a STEM education. To learn more about the scholarship and to apply, follow the link below.

Funding Opportunities

We are in the process of creating a resource that hosts information for grant and other funding opportunities in the energy space. By April, we will link that resource to Energy.Utah.Gov/Funding.
For now, check out this Rural Energy for America program. Close date is March 31, 2022.