Action Alert

* Please ask your Representative to vote yes on

1st Substitute HB145S01 - Renewable Energy Financing Provisions (sponsor
- Rep. Brad Last) is being heard today (Tuesday, March 2nd) on the House
floor. Rep. Last will present the bill with an amendment, which reflects
numerous changes to address the concerns that were brought forth by the
utilities (Utah Rural Electric Co-operative Association, Rocky Mountain
Power, Utah Municipal Power Association). These changes limit the scope
of the bill to allow schools, churches, and government entities to take
advantage of third-party financing. The bill also includes several
consumer and utility-protection provisions to address concerns raised.

We are asking you to contact your representative today to ask them to
vote in support of Rep. Last's bill (and his amendment) but to vote
against any additional amendments to the bill.

HB145S01 is vital for Utah's ability to attract clean tech and spur new
economic development. We are losing renewable energy projects and jobs
to our neighboring states who have already addressed these concerns and
issues as it pertains to financing of renewable energy projects.
HB145S01 (as introduced) will enable schools, churches, charitable
non-profits, and government entities to take advantage of third-party
financing, which is an innovative financing mechanism for renewable
energy, which will enable them to take advantage of available stimulus
monies and meet a portion of their energy needs with on-site renewable
energy generation.
HB 145S01 has been amended to address utility concerns of abuse, consumer
protection, and control over the interconnection process.
HB 145S01 does NOT increase rates, which is why it has been narrowly
crafted to address any concern.
This bill is tied with net metering, which provides further protections
for the customer and utility.

There has been a rumor that additional floor amendments may be introduced
on the House floor - these amendments are not good for the bill.

We will support Rep. Last's bill and his amendment to make the changes
agreed upon by all parties involved. However, any amendment that attempts
to undermine the great strides Utah has already made to benefit Renewable
Energy will be a detriment to the state's energy plan and the progress
made on net metering (in 2008 and 2009). Any such amendments are
unacceptable and would take Utah several steps backwards for renewable
energy and clean tech.

There are currently less than 600 kW of net metered systems on Rocky
Mountain Power's System, and they are reporting (in their 2008 IRP) a
need for nearly 1500 MW of new generation and market purchases by 2014.
Solar and distributed generation can help meet this ever-growing demand.
The parties have agreed to study some additional issues that fall outside
the purpose of Representative Last's bill during the interim session.