January 2001

Utah will have reliable, affordable, sustainable, clean energy.

ECONOMIC PRIORITIES

• Availability of Adequate Energy Supplies - Utah residential consumers and businesses will have reliable, high quality power and energy resources.
• Second, Reasonable Prices - Energy prices in Utah will reflect the development and use of the state's low-cost resources.
• Diversity and Flexibility of Supply - Energy supply will have system redundancy and a diversification of fuel mix and technologies.

PRINCIPLES

• Regional Participation - Utah recognizes that it is part of an integrated energy system and partners with neighboring states in developing regional solutions to common problems. Utah's contribution to increasing power supply in the region is expected to take advantage of the abundant coal reserves within the state. Utah also supports open access to transmission lines and the creation of a properly formed Regional Transmission Organization and encourages the state's transmission-owning utilities to become members.
• Quality Environment - Utah will maintain a clean and safe environment. The following Enlibra principles will guide policy positions:
  • National Standards, Neighborhood Solutions - Responsibilities will be assigned at the right level.
  • Collaboration, Not Polarization -Utah will use collaborative processes to break down barriers to meet our energy needs and find solutions to them.
  • Reward Results, Not Programs -Utah will move to a performance-based system to achieve its energy policy.
  • Science for Facts, Process for Priorities -Utah will separate subjective choices from objective data gathering in making its decisions.
  • Markets Before Mandates -Utah will pursue economic incentives and markets as opposed to regulatory matters whenever appropriate.
  • Change a Heart, Change a Nation -Environmental understanding is crucial to Utah's energy future.
  • Recognition of Costs and Benefits -Utah will make sure all decisions affecting infrastructure, development and environment are fully informed as to their economic consequences to Utah.
  • Solutions Transcend Political Boundaries - Utah will use appropriate geographic boundaries for environmental air problems, which will require the state to develop regional solutions with its neighbors.
• Efficiency and Conservation - Public policies will support sustained investments in cost-effective demand-side management and increased use of energy efficient technologies and services in Utah's economy.
  
• Consumer Protection - Consumers will be protected against unfair business practices and have continued access to reasonably priced energy supplies. Low-income consumers will continue to have affordable energy.
  
• Utah Resources - Utah's abundant supply of natural resources, such as coal, will be leveraged to meet Utah's energy needs now and into the future.
• Investment - Private investment by utilities and non-utility providers is required to meet our energy needs. Investment occurs only when there is an opportunity for adequate financial returns.
  
• Prosperity - Economic prosperity is linked to the availability and affordability of energy. Utah will plan for our energy needs with economic optimism.

PROJECTIONS

• Estimated Electrical Need - Utah's current estimate of additional electrical requirements over the next ten years is 1,800 to 3,100 MW. This additional electrical demand will require new supply to be built in Utah and across the western power grid. Utah's actual requirements could vary depending on a number of factors such as: economic growth, price elasticity, technological change, conservation, plant retirements, and the amount of planned reserves. Additional transmission will need to be built to accommodate the growing supply of electricity.
• Estimated Natural Gas Need - Utah's current estimate of additional natural gas annual firm usage over the next 10 years is 32 million decatherms. The firm design peak day is expected to increase by at least 200,000 decatherms. To meet the growing demand for natural gas, additional pipeline capacity will need to be built.
• Estimated Transportation Fuel Need - Utah estimates that the demand for petroleum products in 2010 will increase by 287 million gallons from 2000. The additional increase is projected as follows: 160 million gallons of motor gasoline, 99 million gallons of diesel fuel, and 28 million gallons of jet fuel. Pipeline expansion will be necessary to meet these needs.

AGENDA

We will cultivate an ethic of conservation and energy efficiency. We will promote the development of new energy supplies sufficient to meet Utah's growing demand over the next 10 to 15 years, while making a contribution to regional energy requirements. We will streamline state regulatory processes and encourage expedited federal action. We will establish a single point review process that coordinates reviews across state departments and with federal agencies. We will not short-change environmental requirements, but can and will fast-track regulatory response. We will promote a vibrant and open electrical transmission system through a regional transmission organization. The Regional Transmission Organization must guarantee open access to transmission and provide incentives for an expansion of the transmission grid.