As we’re speaking right this instant, your electric bill is helping to pay for someone else’s solar panels. That’s the reality of our outdated system in Iowa. I hope that our legislators work to pass HF 669, new legislation currently being considered that would alleviate this problem and bring fairness to the system. Don’t get…

Renewable energy is cheaper and more efficient than ever before. Because of that, Iowans should support its growth across the state. But we need to make sure it’s done fairly and that its policy is responsive to the growing demands of the energy grid. That’s why we need to support HF 669/SF 583. This legislation…

I’m writing in response to the letter “Corporations only want to sell solar to you.” Kudos to the author for making that innovative move, but let me share my experience of not owning solar panels. Like any non-solar generator, I get to pay for her use of the electric grid that we all depend on…

State Rep. Gary Carlson, R-Muscatine, recently proposed a bill, House Study Bill 185, through the Commerce Committee that will make our solar energy policy fair and efficient. Some Iowans may be wondering what that will mean for them, so I want to clear the air. Carlson’s bill brings fairness to solar and helps all energy consumers.

Private citizens with solar panels or wind turbines are connected to the same power grid as everyone else. When their equipment produces more power than they need, they are reimbursed for that excess power by the power companies. They are selling power on the grid but don’t have to pay to maintain the grid. That…

Opponents of the growing number of wind turbines across Iowa complain sound and flickers from the massive towers are hurting their health, but researchers say there’s little scientific evidence to support those claims. A paper released Thursday from three Iowa groups looked at research around the public health impact of wind turbines and found little…

From the Des Moines Register: After such a long winter with no end in sight, sunshine is top of mind for all, including those within the Iowa Legislature. Our representatives and senators are considering legislation known as the SOLAR Act that promotes the solar industry while protecting all customers. The bill does only one thing: It ensures that…

State Auditor Rob Sand says energy usage will be flagged in every audit report his office issues for state and local government agencies, “to make sure that they know where they are starting, so they can measure their progress in energy efficiency.” Sand spoke briefly yesterday to a crowd at the capitol for “Energy Efficiency…

An Iowa electric cooperative and Idaho-based solar energy company have announced joint plans to build the state’s largest solar project. Boise-based Clénera will build and operate Wapello Solar, a 100-megawatt solar facility in Louisa County, according to a December news release.