Section 79-6-403 - Utah Energy Research Grant Program(1)(a) There is created within the office the Utah Energy Research Grant Program.(b) 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)(a) An applicant that submits a proposal for a grant to the office shall include details in the proposal regarding:(i) the specific ongoing energy-related research project;(ii) information about previously awarded federal and private grants for the specific ongoing energy-related research project, including: (A) the amount of the previously awarded federal or private grant; and(B) the requirements to qualify for the previously awarded federal or private grant; and(iii) other information the office determines necessary to evaluate the proposal.(b) When evaluating a proposal for a grant, the office shall consider:(i) the grant amount requested, which may not exceed the amount of federal or private grants the applicant has been awarded;(ii) the extent to which the proposal advances the goals of the state energy policy and strategic energy plan;(iii) the extent to which any additional funding sources or existing or planned partnerships may benefit the proposal; and(iv) the viability of the proposal.(3) Subject to this Subsection (3), the office may, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make rules to establish: (a) eligibility criteria for a grant;(b) the form and process for submitting a proposal to the office for a grant;(c) the process and criteria for determining the priority of applications received;(d) the formula and method for determining a grant amount; and(e) 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: (a) the number of grants and grant amounts awarded under the program;(b) data gathered under the program; and(c) the impact of the program on encouraging energy-related research within the state.Added by Chapter 196, 2023 General Session ,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2023.