Energy Crisis Could Unplug Growth

Rising prices and dwindling resources are stirring alarms among energy experts, who contend Utah’s historically low energy prices may soon be a thing of the past, threatening future economic growth.

Scott Gutting, executive director of the Utah Association of Energy Users, says Utah should be proactive and develop its own energy policy.

Already, mounting electricity prices coupled with skyrocketing natural gas and oil costs are putting pressure not only on Utah consumers but also on Utah businesses and industries that often cannot pass higher energy costs on to customers.

No relief is in sight, with steeper prices projected over the next five to seven years, according to the Utah Association of Energy Users, a Salt Lake-based trade organization whose 40 members spend more than $250 million annually on natural gas and electricity.
DeseretNews.com