Quick Answer
Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp) serves Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho with Schedule 135 net metering. High altitude (4,000-7,000+ ft) boosts solar production—thinner air means more intense sunlight. Salt Lake City rivals lower-latitude cities for production. Utah policies have evolved—verify current export rates. Rates average $0.11-0.13/kWh. Snow self-clears on tilted panels.
Rocky Mountain Power Overview
Rocky Mountain Power is the brand name for PacifiCorp's operations in Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. Part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Rocky Mountain Power provides electricity to the Intermountain West with net metering programs for solar customers.
From my experience:People underestimate Utah for solar because of the snow. But here's what they miss: high altitude means more intense sunlight. Salt Lake City at 4,300 feet gets solar radiation comparable to much lower-latitude cities. The air is thinner, the sky is clearer, and when the sun is out, panels produce well. Yes, you'll lose some winter days to snow, but panels on a decent tilt typically self-clear quickly. Rocky Mountain Power's net metering terms have been evolving, so verify current policies—Utah has had some back-and-forth on solar policy at the state level. But overall, the Intermountain West is better for solar than most people assume.
Rocky Mountain Power Stats
Rocky Mountain Power serves approximately 1.2 million customers across Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. Rates average $0.11-0.13/kWh. Net metering (Schedule 135) is available for residential solar. (Source: utility tariff filings and DSIRE Database)
[Editor's Note, Jan 2026]:Net metering policies, rate structures, and program availability verified with current utility data.
Service Area
Rocky Mountain Power Coverage
| State | Coverage | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | Most of state | Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden |
| Wyoming | Most of state | Casper, Rock Springs |
| Idaho | Southeast Idaho | Pocatello, Idaho Falls |
Net Metering
Schedule 135 Net Metering
- Availability: Residential customers up to 25 kW
- Credit rate: Varies by state/program
- Monthly rollover: Credits carry forward
- Annual settlement: Excess credits addressed annually
State Variations
- Utah: Net metering terms have been evolving
- Wyoming: Schedule 135 available
- Idaho: Different regulatory environment
High Altitude Advantage
The Intermountain West's high altitude (4,000-7,000+ ft) increases solar irradiance intensity. Salt Lake City, despite its northern location, gets solar production comparable to lower-elevation southern cities. (Source: industry data and EnergySage analysis)
Rate Structure
Rocky Mountain Power Rates
- Base rates: ~$0.11-0.13/kWh
- Tiered structure: Usage-based tiers
- Summer rates: Higher June-September
- Time-of-use: Optional programs available
Going Solar
Interconnection Process
- Application: Submit through Rocky Mountain Power
- Review: Engineering review of system
- Approval: Receive interconnection agreement
- Installation: Complete system installation
- Inspection: Final inspection and activation
Mountain West Considerations
- Snow: Panels typically self-clear; some winter production loss
- Cold temps: Panels more efficient in cold
- High altitude: More intense solar radiation
- Clear skies: Low humidity means consistent production
Production Estimates
- Utah: ~1,450-1,650 kWh per kW/year
- Wyoming: ~1,450-1,650 kWh per kW/year
- Idaho: ~1,350-1,550 kWh per kW/year
The Bottom Line
Rocky Mountain Power territory has good solar potential.High altitude boosts production, and net metering is available. Lower utility rates mean smaller absolute savings but solid long-term value. Snow is a consideration but panels typically self-clear.
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