Full text of Utah Utah Code § 54-26-101 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54-26-101. Definitions.
Effective 5/7/2025 54-26-101.
Definitions. As used in this chapter:
(1)
"Closed private generation system" means electric generating facilities and associated transmission infrastructure that:
(a)
is not connected to and operates independently from the transmission system of a qualified electric utility, cooperative utility, municipal utility, or other utility;
(b)
serves one or more customers with a minimum cumulative electrical demand of 100 megawatts; and
(c)
serves one or more large load customers through direct connection.
(2)
"Connected generation system" means electric generating facilities and associated transmission infrastructure that:
(a)
is connected to and operates in conjunction with the transmission system of a qualified electric utility;
(b)
serves one or more large load customers through connection to the transmission system of a qualified electric utility; and
(c)
except as provided in a large load contract, operates independent of the generation resources of any qualified electric utility, cooperative utility, municipal utility, or other utility.
(3)
"Evaluation" means an assessment that:
(a)
evaluates the impact of a large-scale service request on a qualified electric utility's systems;
(b)
identifies any necessary:
(i)
system modifications or upgrades to the qualified electric utility's system to provide service as requested in a large-scale service request;
(ii)
generation capacity; or
(iii)
transmission service requests;
(c)
provides cost estimates for any required improvements; and
(d)
establishes an estimated timeline for implementing any necessary system changes.
(4)
"Large load contract" means a large load construction contract or a large load service contract.
(5)
"Large load construction contract" means a contract for the construction of large load facilities between:
(a)
a qualified electric utility or a large-scale generation provider; and
(b)
a large load customer.
(6)
"Large load customer" means a current or potential customer in the service territory of a qualified electric utility that:
(a)
requests electric service under a large-scale service request; or
(b)
enters into a private generation contract with a large-scale generation provider.
(7)
"Large load facilities" means facilities and resources reasonably necessary, as determined in an evaluation, to provide safe and reliable electric service as requested in a large-scale service request, including the reasonably allocated share of facilities or upgrades necessary to facilitate a transmission request from a qualified electric utility or large-scale generation provider necessary to serve a large-scale service request.
(8)
"Large load flexible tariff" means a tariff:
(a)
pursuant to which a large load customer:
(i)
will receive components of electric services from a large-scale service provider; or
(ii)
will reduce demand at periods specified by a large-scale service provider; and
(b)
under which a large load customer receives components of available electric services from a qualified electric utility to the extent:
(i)
the qualified electric utility's resources are reasonably expected to be available and sufficient; and
(ii)
as determined by:
(A)
agreement with the qualified electric utility; or
(B)
tariffs approved by the commission.
(9)
"Large load incremental costs" means all costs reasonably necessary for:
(a)
the design, engineering, procurement, construction, and completion of:
(i)
large load facilities; and
(ii)
any activities required to provide electric service under a large-scale service request; and
(b)
the long-term operation and maintenance of large load facilities for the duration of any applicable service contract.
(10)
"Large load service contract" means a contract for the provision of electric service for a large-scale service request between:
(a)
a qualified electric utility or a large-scale generation provider; and
(b)
a large load customer.
(11)
"Large-scale generation provider" means an entity that:
(a)
is not a qualified electric utility;
(b)
is registered with the commission in accordance with Section 54-26-501; and
(c)
owns, operates, or contracts for the output of one or more qualifying generation resources intended to be used to supply certain retail electric services to a large load customer pursuant to a large load contract or a private generation contract.
(12)
"Large-scale service request" means a request submitted to a qualified electric utility for:
(a)
new electric service that is expected to reach a cumulative demand of 100 megawatts or greater within five years of the requested initial start date; or
(b)
additional electric service that is expected to increase a customer's total service level by 100 megawatts or greater within five years of the requested start date for the additional service.
(13)
"Private generation contract" means a contract for the provision of electric service through a closed private generation system between:
(a)
a large-scale generation provider; and
(b)
a large load customer requesting new electric service that is expected to reach a cumulative demand of 100 megawatts or greater within five years of the requested initial start date.
(14)
"Qualified electric utility" means a large-scale electric utility.
(15)
"Qualifying generation resources" means one or more electric generating resources that, in combination:
(a)
if connected to the transmission system of a qualified electric utility:
(i)
meets or exceeds the resource adequacy standards of the qualified electric utility;
(ii)
includes sufficient resources and capacity to meet all requirements imposed by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council; and
(iii)
is capable of satisfying the load and electricity requirements of a large load customer without drawing on any generation or generation services provided by a qualified electric utility, any cooperative utility, municipal utility, or other utility except to the extent such services are provided under a large load contract; or
(b)
if not connected to the transmission system of a qualified electric utility:
(i)
is capable of satisfying the load, transmission, and electricity requirements of a large load customer without drawing on any generation or services provided by a qualified electric utility, any cooperative utility, municipal utility, or other utility; and
(ii)
meets any other reliability standards established by the commission.
(16)
"Transmission provider" means an entity that:
(a)
is an affiliate of a qualified electric utility; and
(b)
(i)
owns, operates, or controls facilities located in the state that are used for the transmission of electric energy at voltages above 100 kilovolts; or
(ii)
provides transmission service under a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission-approved open access transmission tariff.
Section 54-26-101 ("Definitions.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 54-26-101?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 54-26-101" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 54-26-101 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
