Lower Iowa Electricity Bills Predicted Under Clean Power Plan
Monday, July 27, 2015
DES MOINES, Iowa – Two new studies find the proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency to cut carbon pollution from the nation's existing power plants makes a lot of financial sense for Iowa consumers.
One report that looks at the economics of the Clean Power Plan is from Synapse Energy Economics.
Principal economist Elizabeth Stanton says that study found that with participation in energy efficiency programs, the average U.S. household could save $35 per month on electric bills by 2030. The savings locally would be even greater.
"Iowa households taking advantage of energy-efficiency programs under the proposed Clean Power Plan would save $83 a month on average and their bills would be $41 a month in 2030," Stanton states.
Stanton adds with investments in energy efficiency, the Clean Power Plan would not only achieve the goal of a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions, but exceed that.
The other report is from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Professor Marilyn Brown says Georgia Tech’s modeling also predicts electricity bills would be lower under the plan, not go higher as critics claim. And she says a clean power pathway could also be very good for the economy and job creation.
"You spend a lot more on labor when it comes to energy efficiency and renewable systems than you do in the generation of electricity from large power plants that are nuclear, coal of natural gas," Brown points out.
While the Clean Power Plan isn't expected to be finalized until later this summer, Iowa already is taking a lead on energy efficiency and renewable systems. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranks the state 14th best in the nation.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…
Social Issues
Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …
Social Issues
Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …
Environment
New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…