UGREEN
OVERVIEW The Utah Generated Renewable Energy Electricity Network Authority (UGREEN), was created during the 2009 Legislative Session to provide a mechanism for financing renewable energy transmission projects in the State of Utah. In order to ensure efficiency, efficacy and comprehensive coverage of renewable energy issues in the State, UGREEN works closely with the Office of Energy Development (OED)/Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), which has absorbed the former State Energy Program. In May 2011, the board appointed a new Special Advisor. Having established the organizational and structural framework for operations in previous years, during 2011 UGREEN is preparing for the exercise of the bond issuance authority incorporated within its creation by Senate Bill 76, with the objectives of financing, in whole or in part, a qualifying transmission project. Bonding and other financial alternatives, being analyzed by UGREEN, will give renewable energy developers the capability to connect their power generation plants to the existing energy grid, in order to market their renewable energy resources. During 2010, UGREEN was nominated by Governor Herbert’s Energy Initiative Task Force to staff the Transmission, Infrastructure and Transportation Subcommittee. During 2011, UGREEN has again been incorporated into the Governor’s Energy Task Force for Utah’s 10-Year Energy Plan – Phase II, led by OED/DEQ. UGREEN and OED/DEQ are collaborating on a joint project portfolio formulation, involving the integration of renewable energy generation projects (to be managed and tracked by OED/DEQ) and transmission/distribution projects (to be managed and tracked by UGREEN.)
Governor’s Office of Economic Development • Annual Report • www.business.utah.gov
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