By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent
One year after making its request, Interstate Power & Light, an Iowa utility, has backed off its plan to offer electricity from existing solar and wind project at higher prices to its customers, formally withdrawing the proposal from before the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), according to a report in Midwest Energy News.
Instead, the utility has issued requests for proposals for community solar projects ranging from 2 MW to 7 MW. It will take bids through July 25 and hopes to have a finalized plan before the IUB by September.
The premium pricing scheme, called “Beyond Solar” (an odd name since the proposal included selling electricity generated from existing solar arrays – but we digress), came under sharp criticism from solar advocates because of the built-in discrepancy between what solar users would pay under the plan compared with what non-solar users would pay. The utility called it a “premium” service to justify the gap, but what it was really was a practice akin to usury.
As a non-solar utility, Interstate Power & Light must have surveyed the rest of the Midwest and realized they were quickly becoming a dinosaur in its own region. Illinois just passed its progressive Long-Term Renewables Resources Procurement Plan. Minnesota has a burgeoning community solar program. Even in Michigan, the utilities there have pledged to go coal-free by 2040 and invest heavily in solar energy over that same time period.
And while Iowa has been known for its wind development (having high-profile advocates like Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst didn’t hurt), solar has been slow to develop there. It’s unclear exactly what caused this about face, but it’s about time.
As Josh Mandelbaum from the Environmental Law & Policy Center told Midwest Energy News:
I think they are legitimately trying to engage with stakeholders. We’re certainly appreciative of the continued effort and the fact we’re headed in the right direction.
Perhaps this new community solar plan will light the solar fire in the state so it can join its other Midwest brethren and sistren in joining the solar revolution.
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After criticism, Iowa utility takes new approach with solar offering