Oakley weighs clean energy opt-out program as counties move to join

Oakley households could be automatically enrolled in a new renewable power program that would add $4 to monthly residential bills unless residents choose to opt out.

That decision is now in front of the Oakley City Council as Summit County, already on board, moves toward the same opt-out model. The county approved joining the Community Clean Energy Program unanimously on April 15, and local governments were given until June 2 to adopt the ordinance.

The program, approved by the Utah Public Service Commission on March 4, is a partnership between Utah Renewable Communities and Rocky Mountain Power. Utah Renewable Communities says 19 communities formed the coalition in 2021. If Oakley joins, eligible customers would be enrolled by default when the program launches, with the option to leave later.

Supporters say that structure is the point. Environmental advocates have argued that opt-in renewable programs “virtually all fail,” and say the opt-out design is meant to reach enough customers to finance new, utility-scale clean energy generation on the Rocky Mountain Power grid. Summit County has said the program is intended to help meet rising energy demand with non-polluting sources while keeping electricity reliable.

The price structure is what many residents will watch most closely. The initial residential charge is $4 per month. Nonresidential customers would pay based on usage. The first opt-out notices will include instructions, and a $30 residential termination fee takes effect six months after the first opt-out notice. Low-income residents are exempt from the extra fees, including the termination charge.

The program is different from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky option, which is voluntary, costs $1.95 per 100-kWh block and relies on renewable energy certificates. The Community Clean Energy Program is designed to fund new large-scale renewable resources directly, not just buy credits.

Coalville has already advanced its local ordinance, and its briefing says the program could launch in late 2026 or early 2027. Oakley’s city meeting calendar lists a City Council meeting on May 27, the date promoted for residents who want to push for approval. Francis, Park City and other participating communities are working under the same deadline, leaving local councils to decide whether residents will be opted in by default or left outside the program entirely.