Want solar power? 2 Utah County power companies agree on new sharing system

PROVO — Getting solar power is now easier than ever for residents in and around Utah County.

Provo City Power and Spanish Fork Power, two of the county's largest power providers, are teaming up for a new solar power-sharing program that allows thousands of customers within both services ranges to access solar power resources even if they don't own solar panels.

Open enrollment for the SharedSolar program began Monday morning with a first-come, first-serve model for residents in Provo, Spanish Fork and Nephi.

"The SharedSolar option is a win-win for customers because it allows them to generate renewable energy on the electrical grid without expensive up-front capital or financing costs," said Travis Ball, Provo City Power's director, in a statement.

Provo Power provides electrical service to over 38,000 customers, while Spanish Fork Power serves another 14,000 customers. Kat Linford, a spokeswoman for Provo City Power, said three other cities are expected to join the program in the near future.

Appearing on KSL NewsRadio's "Dave and Dujanovic," she explained the program is meant to inch Provo City closer to its goal of having majority renewable energy resources by 2030 while also helping homeowners reduce some of their electric costs. The program is primarily geared to residents who either can't place solar panels on their property or just can't afford them. These might be residents who have trees in the way or their rooftop is facing away from the sun.

"It could be that I'm a student and I love the idea of renewable energy, but I can't put it on my apartment building," Linford said, on the radio program. "This program is designed for those exact customers that really want the benefit of renewable power but just haven't had a way to do that."

Here's how it works: Residents within the program will have access to 3,000 leases of 200-kilowatt-hour blocks from a facility in Spanish Fork that is shared among customers.

The current rate of 10.6 cents per kilowatt-hour, or $21.24 for a 200-kilowatt hour, can be locked in for up to 20 years. It's slightly lower than the standard 12 cents per kilowatt hour from other sources.

So, if a customer within the range of the program consumes 800 kilowatt-hours every month, and they purchase two 200-kilowatt-hour blocks, they are charged based on the rate of the 400 kilowatts-hours from solar energy and 400 remaining kilowatt-hours from other sources. In that scenario, the solar electricity blocks would cost $5.52 less per month than non-solar sources on the bill.

"If our customers are using over 1,000 kilowatt-hours, they would either break even or possibly reduce their bill," Linford explained.

Customers enrolled in the program will be given notice if there are any changes in future transmission, distribution and customer service charges. While there is limited availability for the program, Linford said there is still is "plenty of room" available.

Those behind the program say it offers the possibility of some energy savings and inches Provo closer to its goal of having non-carbon sources supply at least 60% of its energy supply by 2030.

Renewable energy sources had hovered between one-fifth to a quarter of the city's energy supply for over a decade, but it's now about 40% of the supply with the new program, according to Provo Power. Provo also has wind and hydro resources that go toward the 40% estimate.

"I am pleased that Provo Power now offers an option for customers that allows them to be a part of the solar energy movement," said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, in a statement Monday. "The program is entirely optional, but we love offering our citizens options like this. We are glad about this additional piece of the puzzle, as Provo City moves increasingly toward renewable sources of energy."

Contributing: Dave Noriega and Debbie Dujanovic

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