SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Utah residents are feeling the financial strain of high summer temperatures that have led to high electricity bills across the state — and Rocky Mountain Power’s planned rate increases are adding to their worries.
One local resident, Angela Peck, was so disturbed by her recent electric bill that she raised her concerns online and discovered that many others are facing similar problems.
Peck, who lives in South Jordan, said her bill has tripled since the beginning of summer, even with the same usage and thermostat settings.
“When we moved to the area, it was $44,” Peck said. “Now it’s $111. I’ve seen a decent increase in prices in the last three months alone.”
According to Rocky Mountain Power, the recent price spikes are due to the extreme heat and not higher prices – at least not yet.
“When it’s hot, these systems work much harder than any other time of year,” said David Eskelsen, spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power.
He explained that the triple-digit heat puts a heavy strain on the grid, leading to higher costs for consumers.
Asked whether the proposed interest rate hikes were necessary, Eskelsen replied: “Yes, they are. They are absolutely necessary because the last general interest rate hike was almost four years ago.”
Eskelsen stressed that the proposed rate increases are not intended to increase Rocky Mountain Power’s profits, but rather to ensure the reliability of its electricity supply. However, Governor Cox recently expressed his disapproval of the proposed increases, calling them “unacceptable.”
“Those are strong words and I think the governor can have confidence in the utility commission because it is appointed by the governor,” Eskelsen replied.
Rocky Mountain Power’s proposal calls for a two-stage rate increase starting in 2025. By 2026, the monthly increase for the average residential customer could be around $24, although Eskelsen acknowledged that this could still change.
“If the company were granted the full amount requested, that would correspond to an increase of about 30 percent for private customers,” he said.
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When asked whether she thought these interest rates were sustainable, Peck expressed doubts.
“I don’t think so,” she said. “It looks like it’s going to keep going up.”
KUTV asked Peck if the proposed rate hikes would affect her vote in the upcoming election.
“Oh, absolutely yes,” Peck replied, adding, “All politicians can probably say they will reduce costs, but the question is how.”
Governor Cox and some legislative leaders have promised to stop the planned rate increases, while Rocky Mountain Power has called for them to take effect early next year.
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