MidAmerican Energy files plan to cut customer costs, increase efficiency
The MidAmerican Energy Company of Iowa submitted an application to the Iowa Utilities Board this week, which lays out their energy efficiency and demand response plan for 2019-2023 — a plan which aims to increase efficiency while lowering costs.
The plan introduces 14 different energy efficiency programs for consumers, from online home energy assessments to aging HVAC replacement incentives and smart thermostat rebates. At the same time, it eliminates several programs, including Plant Some Shade, Upstream Retail Lighting, and Residential New Construction.
“MidAmerican Energy is offering our customers the best of both worlds,” Adam Wright, MidAmerican president and CEO, said. “MidAmerican Energy’s proposed energy efficiency plan will put money back into our customers’ pockets and still provide a wide range of programs to encourage taking action to save energy. And, given the maturity of today’s energy efficiency marketplace, coupled with our continued 100 percent renewable energy commitment, it’s the perfect time to rebalance the program to match the times.”
The plan was designed around a new law signed into force in Iowa earlier this year. That law created spending caps intended to make savings for consumers. For residential gas and electric customers, the average individual could save $81 per year, while commercial customers saved $172 and industrial customers $12,351. These mandated savings take effect in 2019.
The Iowa Utilities Board will review MidAmerican’s proposal and take action by March 31, 2019.
