UAMPS was established in 1980 under the Utah Interlocal Cooperation Act, and is a political subdivision of the State of Utah. UAMPS' purposes include the planning, financing, development, acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance of various projects for the generation, supply, transmission and management of electric energy for the benefit of its Members.

Since its creation, UAMPS has sought to develop new electric power supplies for its Members through the construction of, or acquisition of interests in electric generating facilities and through the development of transmission access to power supply markets. Members benefit from a diverse mix of power supply resources that minimizes their reliance on any single source of electric power.

In 2008, UAMPS launched the Smart Energy Initiative, a comprehensive energy management plan that emphasizes energy conservation and wise energy development. The Smart Energy Initiative is simply a next step in the "Smart" process UAMPS and its Members have been following for years. Smart Energy takes steps outlined in the UAMPS Integrated Resource Plan, such as evaluating current and future needs, resource availability, cost mix and government regulations and enhances efforts in areas of energy conservation and renewable resources.