79-6-403. Utah Energy Research Grant Program.
(1) There is created within the office the Utah Energy Research Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage energy-related research within the state by providing matching grants to applicants that have received federal or private grants for specific ongoing energy-related research projects.
(2) An applicant that submits a proposal for a grant to the office shall include details in the proposal regarding: the specific ongoing energy-related research project; information about previously awarded federal and private grants for the specific ongoing energy-related research project, including: the amount of the previously awarded federal or private grant; and the requirements to qualify for the previously awarded federal or private grant; and other information the office determines necessary to evaluate the proposal. When evaluating a proposal for a grant, the office shall consider: the grant amount requested, which may not exceed the amount of federal or private grants the applicant has been awarded; the extent to which the proposal advances the goals of the state energy policy and strategic energy plan; the extent to which any additional funding sources or existing or planned partnerships may benefit the proposal; and the viability of the proposal.
(3) Subject to this Subsection, the office may, in accordance with, make rules to establish: (3) Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act eligibility criteria for a grant; the form and process for submitting a proposal to the office for a grant; the process and criteria for determining the priority of applications received; the formula and method for determining a grant amount; and reporting requirements for a grant recipient.
(4) On or before October 31 of each year, the office shall provide a written report to the Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee regarding: the number of grants and grant amounts awarded under the program; data gathered under the program; and the impact of the program on encouraging energy-related research within the state.