Rocky Mountain Power has requested an 11% rate increase (if approved, this would add about $4.50/month or $54.00/year to our electric bills). While this is down from their original request of a 13.7% increase, it’s still just the first of many, annual rate increases RMP says they’ll need to keep up with our growing demand for electricity.
Utah enjoys one of the lowest rates in the country (8.51 cents/kilowatt hour compared to a national average of 11.93 cents). And, for those who care about air quality and environmental issues, 82% of Utah’s electricity comes from coal. What if RMP put the rate increases towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind?
This increase is just one more reason for homeowners to consider making their homes more energy efficient. With most homes “leaking” air to the outside by a rate of more than 50% per hour, homeowners are paying to cool (and heat) their neighborhoods! And, for at least a few more months, homeowners can take advantage of a $2,000 rebate the state of Utah is offering for energy efficient upgrades (Utah Home Performance with Energy Star program).
