Mark Moran, Producer-Editor
Monday, January 30, 2023
Environmental groups are pleased with an Iowa Utilities Board ruling that requires MidAmerican Energy to make planning studies public for its Iowa Wind PRIME project.
The massive green energy project is expected to add more than 2,000 megawatts of wind energy and 50 megawatts of solar energy to the power grid.
But some groups say the public should be able to see the background studies, including what MidAmerican might do with its coal plants.
Sierra Club Senior Attorney Laurie Williams said Iowans deserve to know if the $3.9 billion facility is a reasonable alternative to other green energy solutions.
"I think it's a powerful statement of accountability," said Williams. "MidAmerican is a monopoly utility that recovers rates from captive customers. And what the board is saying is the public deserves transparency into how the utility is making decisions about how it plans to meet electricity needs."
MidAmerican says the Wind PRIME project is part of the utility's plan to provide 100% renewable energy for its customers without raising rates.
The company still operates a half dozen coal-fired power plants.
MidAmerican also operates 36 wind projects with more than 3,300 turbines across Iowa.
The company says in addition to providing more renewable energy, Wind PRIME would offer customers rate stability.
But Williams said other utilities are required to provide more information to the public, to make sure they're spending money wisely - and MidAmerican should not get a special exception.
"Not all of the information in these studies should be privileged or confidential," said Williams. "The high-level information contained in the study doesn't warrant a 'trade secret' designation."
Iowa is among the nation's leaders in wind energy production, which makes up 58% of the state's electricity generation.
IN RE: MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY the Iowa Utilities Board 1/19/23
RENEWABLE PROJECTS OWNED BY MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY MIDAMERICAN ENERGY 2022
Which US state generates the most wind power? There's a clear winner the World Economic Forum 4/26/22
get more stories like this via email

According to research from Lumina Foundation, the rate of U.S. high school seniors seeking higher education is on the upswing. Although Ohio student …
Lawmakers in Michigan have introduced a package of bills designed to lower costs and expand health care access. Senate Bill 3 would create a …
Health and Wellness
As winter drags on with a recent rare burst of snow across North Florida, many Floridians struggle with seasonal affective disorder. It is a form of …
Environment
The push to reintroduce southern sea otters to greater sections of the California and Oregon coast is getting a big boost from a $1.56 million grant f…
Social Issues
By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …
Environment
Minnesota is giving its water quality standards a fresh look. With public input in their hands, officials are under pressure to add language about …
Social Issues
Nevada's only sitting Indigenous legislator has introduced a bill to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day on what she calls the "correct day," the second…
Environment
The Trump administration has started dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency's office dealing with reducing environmental harms to minority an…