MidAmerican wants to invest $3.9B in renewable energy. Environmentalists, big power users demand to see data

Environmental groups, U.S. tech giants, large Iowa manufacturers and the state's consumer advocate are challenging what they say is MidAmerican Energy's insistence on withholding studies that would help Iowans decide whether to oppose or support the utility's $3.9 billion renewable energy proposal. 

"It is difficult, if not impossible, to assess" if the plan is a "cost-effective way to meet reliability requirements, forecasted customer need, a diversified fuel mix, and the like, or if it is simply being proposed to drive utility — or parent company — profitability," Google and Facebook's attorney wrote in a filing.

"We think these studies are pretty important and pretty fundamental to the board's" decision on whether to allow MidAmerican to invest $4 billion in renewable energy, said Josh Mandelbaum, an Environmental Law & Policy Center attorney.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: An Iowa Perspective 

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is considered the most aggressive climate action law to date. While the IRA is a federal policy, state administrations and policies will have a significant impact on the level of benefits accruing to Iowa households, businesses, and communities.

Andy Johnson, Executive Director of the Winneshiek Energy District, shares reflections on how Iowa can align its policies to maximize the outcomes of the IRA. He argues that this can be accomplished through actions like aligning Iowa’s rate-payer-funded energy efficiency programs with the new IRA program priorities such as electrification, new policy allowing for virtual net metering and meter aggregation, and the removal of the electric fuel tax which hinders electric vehicle adoption.

IEC joins in filing motion seeking MidAmerican's withheld coal studies

Environmental advocates have filed a motion with the Iowa Utilities Board to compel MidAmerican Energy to back its claims that its coal plants are a responsible use of customers' money. The motion is seeking documents that would provide backing for the utility's repeated assertion that its six Iowa plants are economical.

"Iowans are paying more for coal generation to pollute our air, lands, and waters - that's not in question. What we don't know is how much extra we're paying," said IEC Energy Program Director Kerri Johannsen. "It is literally the job of the Iowa Utilities Board to ensure MidAmerican is being fair to customers, yet MidAm is stonewalling even the regulators about just how expensive this is." Read more on the motion.