Utah did not have a rate change on October 1, 2026. Rocky Mountain Power’s most recent change took effect on July 1 under a settlement that Utah regulators approved over the summer.
This article covers Rocky Mountain Power, the state’s main electric utility. It does not cover municipal utilities or cooperatives.
Quick Summary
| Item | Date | Residential impact |
|---|---|---|
| Commission-ordered increase | 2025 | +4.7% |
| Settlement increase in general rates | July 1, 2026 | +4.2%, about $3.44 a month |
| Energy charge decrease | July 1, 2026 | −10.6%, about −$11 a month |
| Net effect for a typical home (our math) | July 1, 2026 | About −$7.56 a month |
| New general rate filings | Through 2028 | None, by agreement |
How Utah Got Here
- Rocky Mountain Power first proposed a 30.5% increase, later reduced to 18.1%.
- In 2025 the Utah Public Service Commission ordered 4.7%, about a quarter of the reduced request.
- The dispute continued, and in July 2026 the parties announced a settlement adding 4.2%, or $93 million in general rates.
- Utah News Dispatch reported on August 7, 2026 that the settlement was approved.
Why Bills Fell Anyway
Two things changed on July 1:
- General rates: +$3.44 a month.
- Energy charges, which track fuel and market costs: −$11 a month.
Our math: $3.44 − $11.00 = −$7.56 a month for a typical residential customer.
The energy charge reflects market conditions and can rise again. The base rate increase is permanent.
What the Settlement Promises
- No general rate increase filings through 2028.
- About $2 billion in grid reliability and resilience investment. A later report put the commitment at $2.2 billion.
Consumer and clean energy advocates did not oppose the outcome so much as the process. Utah’s Office of Consumer Services said the public prefers the standard process “with more visibility into the details.”
What This Means for Homeowners With Solar
We did not verify Utah’s current net metering or export credit rules for this article, so we give no export rates here. Ask your utility for its current solar tariff, and check how exported energy is credited before sizing a system. Fixed monthly charges are not reduced by solar.
A lower energy charge reduces what each self-used kWh saves, at least until it resets. Our solar payback guide shows how the retail rate and the export credit change the math.
What to Check on Your Bill
- The customer service charge.
- The energy balancing account line.
- Wildfire mitigation charges, which are outside the rate freeze.
For help sorting the lines on your bill, see our guide to reading your electric bill.
Limitations
Figures come from Utah News Dispatch. We did not open the Public Service Commission order, and we did not find the typical usage behind the dollar figures.
Sources
- Utah News Dispatch, “Rocky Mountain Power’s Utah rate conflict may be settled with an additional 4.2% hike,” July 6, 2026
- Utah News Dispatch, “As Utah approves settlement with Rocky Mountain Power, advocates worry about transparency,” Aug. 7, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Did Utah electric rates change on October 1, 2026?
We found no change on that date. Rocky Mountain Power's settlement rates took effect July 1, 2026.
Did Rocky Mountain Power bills go up in 2026?
Base rates rose 4.2%, about $3.44 a month. A separate 10.6% decrease in energy charges lowered a typical bill by about $11 a month, so the net effect was a lower bill, according to Utah News Dispatch.
Can Rocky Mountain Power raise rates before 2029?
It agreed not to file general rate increases through 2028. Charges such as the energy balancing account and wildfire mitigation fees are outside that commitment.
