This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Eagle Mountain City is out of the utility business.

The northern Utah County city of 24,000 completed sales Wednesday of its gas system to Questar Gas Co. for $11.4 million and its electric-power operations to Rocky Mountain Power for $24 million. The deals, in the works for almost a year and overwhelmingly approved by city voters in November, will enable the city to reduce — by $26 million — the debt load it took on in establishing those utility systems, said Eagle Mountain spokeswoman Linda Peterson.

"As Eagle Mountain City continues to experience rapid growth, the sale of the gas and electric utilities will decrease our current and future debt, provide more resources and increase potential for rate stability," Mayor Christopher Pengra said in a news release after signing sales agreements with Rocky Mountain Power President Cindy Crane and Questar Gas Vice President Craig Wagstaff.

Rocky Mountain Power has transmitted electricity to Eagle Mountain City since its 1996 incorporation and now will provide power directly to city residents and businesses. Crane pledged to invest in additional lines and services in the city, whose 44 square miles of territory offers significant growth potential.

"We are committed to do our part to help the city plan and prosper as it grows," she said.

Questar is obtaining 126 miles of gas lines through its purchase of the 15-year-old system, Wagstaff said, adding that it will be connected easily to surrounding communities serviced by the gas company.

"Our distribution lines extend to communities on the east, north and west boundaries of Eagle Mountain City," he noted. "By purchasing the municipal system and tying into it, we can enhance the reliability of service for our new customers and improve operating efficiencies for one of Utah's fastest-growing areas."

A page on the city's website — http://www.eaglemountaincity.com — provides information to city residents about billing changes that will result from the sale.

Originally scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014, the sale was delayed in part by the city's switch to Rocky Mountain Power as the electrical-system purchaser.

The South Utah Valley Electric Service District initially was to be Eagle Mountain's partner, but the City Council later changed course.

Twitter: @sltribmikeg