State regulators say gas and electric customers of Alliant Energy will not have to pay a fee if they decide they don't want to have a new high-tech meter. Iowa Utilities Board spokesman Don Tormey says Alliant proposed replacing old meters with what it calls an advanced metering infrastructure … [Read more...]
Supreme Court rules no insurance coverage for West Liberty squirrel zap at power plant
The Iowa Supreme Court says West Liberty cannot collect on its insurance for electrical damage caused by a squirrel. A squirrel climb onto an electric transformer outside the West Liberty power plant in 2014 and contacted a cable clamp energized with 7,200 volts of electricity. That created an … [Read more...]
Be sure gas meters and exhaust pipes are clear of snow
Our heating systems are facing their biggest test of the winter season right now. Alliant Energy spokesman, Justin Foss, says there are a couple of things you can do to help your home heating system make it through. Foss says make sure your gas meters are not covered up by drifted snow. He … [Read more...]
Water pipe contract signed to help Sioux Center, Hull and Sheldon
After years of planning, several northwest Iowa communities are taking a big step forward in getting a new source of water. The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System board of directors is awarding an $8 million contract for water line construction in the region. Board executive director Troy … [Read more...]
Utility bills changing to show how much you pay for energy efficiency program
The state's largest utilities will send out bills this month that have a new way of listing what's known as the "energy efficiency charge." MidAmerican Energy spokesman Geoff Greenwood says a change in the law led to the change in the way the charge shows up on your bill. "Previously the … [Read more...]
Solar power project proposed for Louisa County
Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) has announced plans to develop what would be the largest solar project in Iowa. CIPCO is partnering with Clenera of Boise, Idaho to develop the project. Jared McKee is Clenera's director of business development. "It will be 100 megawatts AC. So that's … [Read more...]
Maharishi University now features state’s largest solar power plant
A small southeast Iowa college now boasts the largest solar & storage power plant in Iowa, which is also billed as being the most technologically advanced facility of its kind in the world. John Hagelin, president of Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, says the five-acre, 1.1 … [Read more...]
Funds for sewer, water and housing improvements approved for 11 communities
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Wednesday approved $4.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for 11 Iowa communities. IED-A spokesperson, Brooke Miller, says the funds are targeted at specific areas. She says the funds enable the communities to make needed improvements … [Read more...]
Iowa utilities to spend less helping low-income residents weatherize homes
The state's three investor-owned utilities will spend half as much next year to help low-income Iowans weatherize their homes. San Wong is director of the Iowa Department of Human Rights, the state agency that oversees the program. She briefed the governor this morning. "For this next year, we … [Read more...]
Center For Rural Affairs study: parts of state still lack high-speed internet
A new report finds rural states like Iowa are still far behind in getting high-speed internet to all corners, which impacts the rate of growth and success. Johnathan Hladlik, policy director with the Center For Rural Affairs, says 31% of rural households lack access to broadband internet. He says … [Read more...]