Innovative Solutions Drive Impacts: Utah Electrification Initiative Expands Rural Engagement Tour 

Dedicated to engaging with voices across the state, ASPIRE’s Utah Electrification Initiative staff and Industry Advisory Board members recently traveled to southeastern Utah to listen and learn from solution-based experts from the Southeastern Regional Development Agency (SERDA) in Price. This continued a series of conversations held with Associations of Government across the state, while also sharing exciting developments in electrified transportation. 

This opportunity was a continuation of a series of conversations held with leaders across the state as a critical component of the development of the statewide electrification plan, according to Jennifer Seelig, the director of government and community relations at ASPIRE and the director of Utah State University’s Institute of Government and Politics. 

“We launched our first dedicated listening tour in Richfield last year, where we focused on seeking out and actively hearing voices that are often underappreciated while meeting people where they are at,” Seelig said. “This year in Price, we focused on innovative solutions and collaborating with rural governments to discover opportunities for pragmatic solutions in the industry. That perspective has been invaluable as we find solutions that make sense for communities across Utah.” 

Conversations revolved around industry support to create an innovative and collaborative future. SERDA representatives shared advanced energy solutions and innovative strategies to prepare and elevate workforce pathways while supporting economic development goals. 

“Projects in rural areas can create lasting impacts on the entire state,” said SERDA Executive Director Geri Gamber. 

And the impact and power of these rural areas was further emphasized by Deputy Director Jade Powell. 

“Our focus is on practical solutions that support industry, embrace innovation, and empower our local workers while building solutions that power Utah’s future,” Powell said. 

Further discussions delved into workforce pathways in aviation, especially with the advent of the recently launched aviation mechanic program at the local airport through USU Eastern. Attendees were particularly interested in exploring how future specialization in electric planes can expand opportunities across the region and help the area become a leader in electrified aviation. 

In addition to these engaging discussions, the Utah electrification team also toured the San Rafael Energy Research Center, where they discovered multiple innovative research projects, ranging from battery recycling technologies to alternative fuels to the groundbreaking of Valar Atomics. 

“This tour highlighted that region is an energy community with a lot of know-how and innovation to contribute,” said Utah Electrification Initiative Associate Director David Eckles. “We look forward to collaborating with SERDA to explore ways electrified transportation can benefit residents, businesses, and visitors.” 

These insights and groundbreaking research projects are helping to shape ASPIRE’s recommendations for Utah’s electrification strategy as the team begins its third year of statewide planning. 

To learn more about Utah’s electrification planning efforts, visit utahelectrification.com, or read the highlights from the most recent annual report.  

About ASPIRE & Utah Electrification:  

Headquartered at Utah State University, ASPIRE is a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center. ASPIRE has demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing, and managing a range of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects and fostering strong partnerships across the EV charging ecosystem. The center integrates multidisciplinary expertise across electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering, as well as economics, social sciences, and policy. In 2023, ASPIRE was designated the lead institution in building Utah’s Intelligent Electrified Transportation Plan. More information on the center can be found at aspire.usu.edu, and more on Utah’s electrification efforts can be found at utahelectrification.com. 

Contacts: 

David Eckels
Associate Director
Utah Electrification Initiative
ASPIRE ERC 

Jennifer Seelig 
Director of Government & Community Affairs  
ASPIRE ERC 
Director, Institute of Government and Politics  
Utah State University    

Writer: 

Kayleigh Kearsley 
Marketing & Communications Intern 
ASPIRE ERC