Iowa Utilities Commission Approves Settlement for Largest Solar Proposal in Iowa

DES MOINES–Today, the Iowa Utilities Commission approved a settlement between MidAmerican Energy and stakeholder parties, including Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC), Iowa Environmental Council (IEC), and Sierra Club, to authorize 800 megawatts of solar in Iowa. This is the largest solar approval in state history and would quintuple MidAmerican’s existing solar resources. MidAmerican expects the project to produce enough energy to power 144,000 homes.

When assessing different energy resources, MidAmerican’s predictive modeling concluded that expanding the utility’s solar fleet was the most cost-effective choice for customers. The environmental groups conducted their own modeling that confirmed solar as a good option in a range of future electricity cost and demand growth scenarios.

“Building solar is a no-regrets choice for Iowans: It provides consistent, clean power and moves Iowa toward a renewable energy future,” said Josh Mandelbaum, Senior Attorney at ELPC. “This proposal balances MidAmerican’s wind generation fleet to reduce reliance on its polluting coal plants.”

The settlement was unanimously supported among parties participating in the case. It provides advance approval for reasonable costs to build the solar generation and comes as federal tax credits for clean energy projects are close to expiring.

“Solar is a cost-effective resource even without tax credits, but the opportunity to use tax credits for this project makes it a clear win for Iowa customers,” said Steve Guyer, Senior Energy Policy Counsel at IEC. “Our vision for 100% renewable energy in Iowa is one step closer.”

The environmental groups have encouraged MidAmerican to expand its solar resources for several years, including in prior cases. The groups collaborated with other parties in the docket to reach agreement on a future resource planning process, which will provide an opportunity to consider rapidly changing conditions in the energy sector.

“Resource planning is critical for evaluating the energy resources that will be most beneficial for  customers. The improved planning process laid out in the settlement ensures involvement for stakeholders and requires MidAmerican to evaluate coal plant retirements and affordable clean energy replacement options,” said Josh Smith, Senior Attorney at Sierra Club. “Iowa communities deserve to know what to expect. This planning process will provide needed transparency into the direction of Iowa’s energy generation.”

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The Iowa Environmental Council is the state's largest and most comprehensive environmental alliance, composed of diverse organizations and individuals working together to protect Iowa's natural environment. Through education, advocacy, and coalition-building, the Council raises awareness, generates action, and creates large-scale change. IEC works on federal, state, and local public policy issues to ensure a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans.

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action.

The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is the Midwest's leading public interest environmental legal advocacy organization. We develop strategic campaigns to protect natural resources and improve environmental quality. Our multi-disciplinary staff employs teamwork approaches using legal, economic, and public policy tools to produce successes that improve our environment and economy.