**Rocky Mountain Power Proposes Another Electricity Rate Hike to Offset Wildfire Costs in Utah**
Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) has proposed another electricity rate increase for Utah customers to help cover the costs associated with wildfires. The utility company is seeking to raise monthly electric bills by 4.5% to fund its new wildfire liability insurance program.
Filed just before Thanksgiving, the latest rate hike request includes an average surcharge of $3.70 per month for the next 10 years, or until $1.09 billion has been collected for the wildfire liability fund. This proposal now awaits approval from the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC), which has already opened a new docket and scheduled a conference later this month to discuss the matter.
### Background on the Wildfire Fire Fund and Legislative Context
The Utah Fire Fund was authorized last year by the Utah Legislature through a Senate bill that limits liability claims against utilities like Rocky Mountain Power. Additionally, a separate 2024 bill (HB191) protects Utah’s coal-fired power plants from early retirement. RMP’s most recent Integrated Resource Plan anticipates its coal plants in Utah will continue operating for at least the next 20 years.
### Concerns from Clean Energy Advocates
Clean energy advocates caution that rate increases will continue as long as Rocky Mountain Power relies on coal-fired electricity. Coal remains one of the dirtiest fossil fuel sources, contributing significantly to climate change and driving more frequent and severe wildfires across the Western United States.
Advocates argue that burning coal exacerbates wildfire risks, which in turn raises insurance premiums and causes policy cancellations for homeowners. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain Power faces sharply increased wildfire liability insurance costs and expenses associated with fortifying its transmission infrastructure.
### Who Should Bear the Burden?
There is growing debate over whether ratepayers or corporate shareholders should shoulder the majority of wildfire-related costs. Stan Holmes, Outreach Coordinator for Utah Citizens Advocating Renewable Energy, warns that Utahns are on a “fool’s errand” and paying the price through rising utility bills.
“We are fueling our own problem based on what our customers buy,” Holmes said. “We are basically fueling Rocky Mountain Power and we are paying the consequences. We are parties to this problem and we ought to be parties to the solution.”
Holmes also highlighted the impact rising rates will have on vulnerable households, many of whom already face financial hardships. “There are people living on the margins already,” he said. “Some will have to choose between paying for prescriptions, medical bills, or utilities. They are going to really hurt as these rates go up.”
### Efforts to Mitigate Wildfire Risks in Utah
The Wasatch Front is currently part of a coordinated effort to reduce wildfire risks in nearby canyons. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands is collaborating with federal agencies and local residents to address growing wildfire threats.
### What’s Next for the Rate Increase Proposal?
It’s important to note that the proposed rate increase is not yet approved. The Public Service Commission will subject the request to thorough review, including public comments, legal scrutiny, and detailed analysis before making a decision.
### Rocky Mountain Power’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
Despite ongoing challenges, Rocky Mountain Power emphasizes its support for renewable energy. Since launching the Blue Sky program 25 years ago, customers have contributed to nearly 15 million megawatt-hours of renewable energy — enough to power 800 billion smartphones — and have participated in 377 renewable energy projects across the Western United States.
However, the utility is currently directed by lawmakers to continue operating coal plants, which presents conflicting priorities in light of climate change and wildfire risks.
### Utility Spokesman Comments
Dave Eskelsen, a spokesman for Rocky Mountain Power, clarified that the wildfire surcharge is specifically intended for catastrophic wildfire events in Utah.
“This is for a specific account,” Eskelsen said. “It is specifically for Utah and it will be transparent regarding what we charge for.”
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As Utahns await the Public Service Commission’s decision, the debate over balancing wildfire costs, energy sources, and customer rates continues amid an evolving energy landscape and growing climate challenges.
https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/12/01/rocky-mountain-proposes-another-rate-increase/
