SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Utah residents are feeling the financial strain from soaring summer temperatures, which have led to high utility bills across the state — and proposed rate hikes from Rocky Mountain Power are adding to their concerns.
One resident, Angela Peck, was so alarmed by her recent utility bill that she took her concerns online, only to discover that many others are facing similar challenges.
Peck, who lives in South Jordan, said her bill has tripled since the start of summer, even with the same use and thermostat settings.
“When we first moved into the area, it was $44,” Peck said. “Now it is $111. I’ve seen a good price hike just within the past three months.”
According to Rocky Mountain Power officials, these recent price spikes are due to the extreme heat, not higher rates — at least, not yet.
“When it’s hot, those systems work a lot harder than they do at any other time of the year,” said Rocky Mountain Power spokesperson David Eskelsen.
He explained that the triple-digit heat is putting significant stress on the grid, which is leading to higher costs for consumers.
When asked whether the proposed rate hikes are necessary, Eskelsen replied, “Yes, they are. They’re absolutely necessary because it’s been almost four years since we last had a general rate increase.”
Eskelsen emphasized that the proposed rate increases are not intended to boost Rocky Mountain Power’s profits but to ensure that the power remains reliable. However, Governor Cox recently expressed his disapproval of the proposed hikes, calling them “unacceptable.”
“It is strong language, and I think the governor can have confidence in the utility commission because the utility commission is appointed by the governor,” Eskelsen responded.
Rocky Mountain Power’s proposal would raise rates in two phases starting in 2025. By 2026, the monthly increase for the average residential customer could be around $24, though Eskelsen noted this could change.
“If the company were granted the entire amount of its request, that would be about a 30% increase for residential customers,” he said.
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When asked if she feels these rates are sustainable, Peck expressed doubt.
“I don’t think so,” she said. “It looks like it’ll keep rising.”
KUTV asked Peck if the proposed rate hikes would influence her vote in the upcoming elections.
“Oh, absolutely, yeah,” Peck responded, adding, “All politicians can probably say that they’re going to reduce the cost, but how is the question.”
Governor Cox and some legislative leaders have pledged to stop the proposed rate hikes, while Rocky Mountain Power has requested that they take effect early next year.
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