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Utah Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (7-UT-c)

Information current as of 2022
In Utah, a geothermal developer may need a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop geothermal resources as an electric corporation. Utah – Utah Code Ann. § 54-4. The Utah Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates public utilities in the state. “Public utilities” include "electrical corporations" which are defined in Utah Code Ann. § 54-2-1(9) to include every corporation, cooperative association, and person, their lessees, trustees, and receivers, owning, controlling, operating, or managing any electric plant, or in any way furnishing electric power for public service or to its consumers or members for domestic, commercial, or industrial use, within this state, except independent energy producers, and except where electricity is generated on or distributed by the producer solely for the producer's own use, or the use of the producer's tenants, or for the use of members of an association of unit owners formed under Title 57, Chapter 8, Condominium Ownership Act, and not for sale to the public generally, and except where the electricity generated is consumed by an owner, lessor, or interest holder, or by an affiliate of an owner, lessor, or interest holder, who has provided at least $25,000,000 in value, including credit support, relating to the electric plant furnishing the electricity and whose consumption does not exceed its long-term entitlement in the plant under a long-term arrangement other than a power purchase agreement, except a power purchase agreement with an electrical corporation.


Utah defines an "independent energy producer" as every electrical corporation, person, corporation, or government entity, their lessees, trustees, or receivers, that own, operate, control, or manage an independent power production or cogeneration facility. Utah Code Ann. § 54-2-1(17).

Utah defines an "independent power production facility as a facility that produces electric energy solely by the use, as a primary energy source, of biomass, waste, a renewable resource, a geothermal resource, or any combination of the preceding sources or is a qualifying power production facility. Utah Code Ann. § 54-2-1(18).

Developers of both generating facilities and transmission lines must complete the CPCN process if a proposed project meets the definition of “electrical corporations” under Utah Code Ann. § 54-2-1(9)(a) and are not exempt as an independent energy producer. Even where a developer qualifies as an independent energy producer, the PSC has held the associated transmission line to interconnect the power to the grid still requires a CPCN.



Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Process


7-UT-c.1 - Certificate of Public Convenience & Necessity Application

The developer must submit an Application for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. In addition to submitting the application form, the developer must submit evidence that it has received, or is in the process of obtaining the required consent, franchise, or permit of the proper county, city, municipal, or other public authority. The developer must also submit a statement that the proposed project will not conflict with or adversely affect the operations of any existing public utility which supplies the same product or service. Utah Code Ann. § 54-4-25(4).

7-UT-c.2 to 7-UT-c.5 – Provide Notice of Hearing

The PSC conducts a hearing to review the CPCN application. Utah Code Ann. § 54-4-25(4)(c). The PSC must file and serve notice of the hearing. The notice includes:

  • The names and addresses of all persons to whom notice is being given;
  • The PSC’s file number;
  • The name of the proceeding; and
  • The date that the notice was mailed.

Utah Code Ann. § 63G-4-201(2)(a).

After the hearing, the PSC may:

  • Issue the CPCN as requested;
  • Refuse to issue the CPCN; or
  • Issue the certificate for the construction of a portion only of the contemplated line, plant, or system (or extension thereof) or with conditions.

Utah Code Ann. § 54-4-25(4)(c).

7-UT-c.6 to 7-UT-c.9– Does the Developer Seek Review?

If the PSC denies the developer’s CPCN application, the developer may seek review of the PSC decision by submitting an application for rehearing within 30 days after the PSC’s order. The application for rehearing will:

  • Be signed by the developer;
  • State the grounds for review and the relief requested;
  • State the date on which it was mailed; and
  • Be mailed to the presiding office and to each party.

Utah Code Ann. § 63G-4-301(1)(a)-(b).

Any application for rehearing not granted by the PSC within 30 days is deemed denied Utah Code Ann. § 54-7-15(2)(c). Where, the PSC grants a rehearing, the PSC will provide notice of the rehearing to all parties. Utah Code Ann. § 63G-4-301(5).

7-UT-c.10 to 7-UT-c.12 – Conduct Rehearing

The PSC conducts a rehearing. At the rehearing, the presiding officer will allow all parties to present evidence, argue, respond, conduct cross-examination, and submit rebuttal evidence. | Utah Code Ann. § 63G-4-206(1)(d). After the rehearing the PSC will issue an Order on Review which will contain:

  • A designation of the statute or rule permitting or requiring review;
  • A statement of the issues reviewed;
  • Findings of fact as to each of the issues reviewed;
  • Conclusions of law as to each of the issues reviewed;
  • Notice of any right of judicial review available to the developer; and
  • Time limits applicable to judicial review.

UC 63G-4-301(6)(c). If the PSC rules in favor of the developer; it will issue the CPCN. A decision on rehearing constitutes exhaustion of administrative remedies for the purpose of judicial review.

7-UT-c.13 to 7-UT-c.15 – Does the Developer Seek Judicial Review?

The Supreme Court or Utah Court of Appeals has jurisdiction to review all final actions of the PSC. UC 63G-4-403(1). If the PSC rules against the developer, the developer may file a Petition for Review of Order with the Court of Appeals within 30 days after the date of the written order by the PSC. U.R.A.P. Rule 14(a). The developer must serve, personally or by mail, a copy of the petition on all named respondents, all parties to the action and the Utah Attorney General. U.R.A.P. Rule 14(c).

7-UT-c.16 to 7-UT-c.18 – Conduct Judicial Review

The Court of Appeals will review the case. If the Court rules against the developer, the project cannot continue. If the Court rules in favor of the developer, the CPCN will be issued.


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