Coop director calls for easing of red tape

The general manager of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives says it’s time for state and federal officials to reduce red tape and provide tax incentives for electric transmission line upgrades and expansion. Brian Kading says “it’s extremely difficult to get power into Iowa these days when we have a short-term shortage.”Kading says the R-E-Cs are “very interested” in construction of new transmission lines and the improvement of existing power lines. Kading says Iowans have a “real need” for more transmission lines into the state. Kading says electric demand in Iowa has grown in recent years, and when a power plant that provides power to Iowa goes down for maintenance, it’s growing tougher to find an alternative source of electricity. Kading says policymakers need to strike a balance when they’re crafting tax incentives for transmission line improvements.Kading says “you don’t want the incentives to be so advantageous that only the big power companies can profit.”