Energy Efficiency Standard (Iowa)

Last modified on November 6, 2012.

Rules Regulations Policies Program

Summary

In 2008, Iowa enacted S.B. 2386, which requires the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to create energy savings standards (electricity and natural gas) for all rate-regulated utilities. The IUB ordered utilities to reduce retail sales by 1.5% of average sales for the previous 3 years by December 31, 2011.* Utilities that are not rate-regulated (municipal and cooperative utilities) were required to establish their own energy efficiency goals. These goals were filed in December 2009. All utilities (rate-regulated and otherwise) must submit plans with the IUB utility, administer customer energy efficiency programs in order to reach the efficiency goals, and submit annual reports to the IUB describing energy efficiency efforts. Utility efficiency plans, operating plans, and annual reports can be found here.

A utility may reduce energy consumption through improvements to its infrastructure or through customer programs. Examples of customer programs include energy studies and audits, education, director rebates and other financial assistance, research projects, time-of-use-rates, tree planting, and hot water insulation distribution programs. All programs must be cost-effective for both customers and the utilities.

*The Iowa Utilities Board has approved goals of approximately 1-1.2 percent for the natural gas programs of investor-owned utilities. The IUB also approved lower electricity efficiency goals for Interstate Power and Light Company. MidAmerican Energy Company reached 1.5% electricity savings in 2010.

Incentive Contact

Authorities (Please contact the if there are any file problems.)

• Incentive and policy data are reviewed and approved by the N.C. Solar Center's DSIRE project staff.^[1]

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1}  "Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)"