Rocky Mountain Power officials presented Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez with a $655,467 Wattsmart Business incentive check for the institution’s massive strides toward energy efficiency.

UVU recently completed a number of energy efficiency projects that saved 5.8 million kilowatt-hours, the carbon offset equivalent of removing 886 vehicles from the road. With the help of incentive funding from the Wattsmart Business program, which offers energy-saving expertise to organizations working to improve efficiency, the university is now saving nearly $250,000 annually on energy costs.

“We are thankful for the partnership with Rocky Mountain Power that enables us to continue to make great strides towards our commitment to energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint in the valley,” Tuminez said. 

UVU has been working with the utility provider on a number of collaborative initiatives. Aside from the Wattsmart Business partnership, the institution is among six organizations in Utah working with Rocky Mountain Power to source electricity needs from a clean renewable resource.

Once completed, the Elektron Solar project, currently under development in Tooele County, will enable 92% of UVU’s power to be renewable energy, allowing the institution to dramatically decrease air pollution produced.

“With this new solar program, UVU’s energy distribution system will become 92% renewable. We are proud to do our share towards cleaner air in Utah, and a greener and more sustainable environment,” Tuminez said.

The 80-megawatt project is currently under development in Tooele County, scheduled for completion by 2023.

"Utah Valley University has been an outstanding partner,” said Gary Hoogeveen, Rocky Mountain Power president and CEO. “The institution has made exceptional strides in efficiency while also working collaboratively with Rocky Mountain Power to meet its renewable energy goals in the future.”