BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS IN UTAH enjoy some of the lowest cost, most stable energy supplies in the nation, including a growing supply of energy from renewable sources. As one of the most connected and tech savvy states in the union, Utah employs first rate telecommunications capabilities that rank it near the top in terms of connectedness, technology and penetration. Abundant, well-managed water sources ensure continued growth and prosperity of the State’s citizens and businesses. In Utah, the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates the rates and conditions of service for electric power and natural gas provided by investorowned utilities. Local governments regulate the State’s municipal power and water companies. The Commission allows telecommunications prices to be determined by market forces in densely populated areas, but regulates the rates for intrastate telecommunications services provided by the local phone companies in rural areas. The PSC also regulates water companies in cases in which the customers are not also owners of the company, or the company is not a governmental entity. Most of Utah’s water users are served by approved municipal water systems governed by water boards in their respective municipalities. The Commission is comprised of a chairman and two commissioners appointed by Utah’s governor and confirmed by the Senate, each for six-year terms.
Utah’s electric power and natural gas rates are among the nation’s lowest.
HIGHLIGHTS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Utah is endowed with abundant natural gas resources.
Utah enjoys state-of-the-art telecommunications systems, including an extensive fiber optic backbone.
Utah’s potential economic oil-shale resource equals approximately 77 billion barrels of shale oil, according to the Utah Geological Survey (UGS).
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