06/02/2026
Despite our city's investment in this program, after June 2nd, we are officially out before it even launched.
While holding a special session brought needed closure for the city and our residents, the question still stands: Where do we go from here? The decision made is a stagnant one. Now, I am eager to hear a forward-thinking approach. When we did our community outreach, it wasn’t about asking residents if they were "for" or "against" a program, it was about learning what they truly value.
My role is to inspire our community to be critical thinkers, to challenge perspectives when it matters most, and to provide the tools to understand these complex situations. Ultimately, I must make decisions that benefit all of Kearns. That means looking beyond today, planning for the future, and keeping an open mind.
It is clear that our residents across the board strongly support holding utility providers accountable and protecting low-income households, while understandably expressing caution regarding costs. But with this program no longer on the table, we are in the exact same spot. How do we protect low-income households and achieve the utility accountability that residents on both sides demand?
For me, this was never solely about renewable energy. It was about gaining leverage to secure what our city actually needs and deserves. We have lost a critical tool for utility accountability. Opting in would have placed more accountability on the city (and myself) to ensure all of Kearns was taken care of, especially those who wanted to opt out. I was fully ready to step up to that responsibility.
I wanted to provide context, but I also want to issue a challenge. I ask our community, stakeholders, and representatives to help us find solutions to move forward, rather than settling for what is comfortable. If we want different results, we must be willing to sit in the uncertainty of finding a new path.
The Kearns City Council voted "no" on the Community Clean Energy Program after residents voiced concerns about rising costs. Rocky Mountain Power customers would automatically be enrolled at $4 per month, unless they chose to opt out.
