Gov. Cox announces tristate compact to reduce energy costs

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is announcing a new deal to make energy more affordable in Utah. He shared the news of a tristate energy compact with Utah, Idaho and Wyoming during his monthly news conference Thursday morning.

The governor said with the growing demand for Artificial Intelligence, he wants AI data centers in Utah — like the NOVVA Data Center expanding in West Jordan. But, he said, they can take up a lot of energy.

The governor calls energy production one of the great challenges of our time. He believes this new compact will help meet that demand.

"We need more energy to drive down costs for families, fuel our industry, and keep our country a global economic powerhouse," Cox said.

The governor said Utah needs more energy options and believes Utah's new compact will help keep energy grids reliable and affordable, meet increased demand, and push back on unnecessary regulations. He didn't give many details except that the compact will help Utah invest in new transmission lines, carbon capture technology and infrastructure.

The governor said Utah's Office of Energy Development will lead the collaboration with Idaho and Wyoming. When asked, Cox said this is related to the push to separate Rocky Mountain Power from PacifiCorp, serving electricity for six states, including Utah.

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