The IUC's regulatory authority is described in Iowa Code § 474.9, Iowa Code chapter 476, and IUC administrative rules adopted in 199 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) chapters 1-45. The IUC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned electric, natural gas, water, sanitary sewage, and storm water drainage public utilities, and has specific regulatory authority over municipal electric and natural gas utilities and electric cooperatives (RECs). The IUC also has authority over the siting and construction of electric transmission lines, intrastate natural gas pipelines, and hazardous liquid pipelines.
Electric
The IUC regulates the rates and services of two investor-owned electric utilities, MidAmerican Energy Company and Interstate Power and Light Company. These two electric utilities serve more than 1 million customers in Iowa. The IUC has specific regulatory authority over municipal electric utilities as described in Iowa Code § 476.1B and 199 IAC chapter 27. The IUC has specific regulatory authority over electric cooperatives as described in Iowa Code § 476.1A and 199 IAC chapter 27.
Natural Gas
The IUC regulates the rates and services of four investor-owned natural gas utilities: MidAmerican Energy Company, Interstate Power and Light Company, Liberty Utilities (Midstates Natural Gas) Corp., and Black Hills/Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC. The IUC has specific regulatory authority over municipal natural gas utilities as described in Iowa Code § 476.1B. Small investor-owned natural gas utilities with fewer than 2,000 customers are subject to limited regulation under Iowa Code § 476.1C.
The IUC does not regulate propane gas service or billing. For information, call the Iowa Propane Association at 515-564-1260.
Telecommunications​
Under Iowa Code § 476.1D, the IUC has deregulated the rates and services of telecommunications providers in Iowa, except for intrastate access charges and alternative operator service providers. The IUC retained jurisdiction over certain complaints against the service provided by telecommunications providers and unauthorized change in service complaints.
The IUC does not regulate cellular phone service or cable television service, but does issue cable and video service franchise certificates.
The IUC also administers a Dual Party Relay Service to allow communications-impaired Iowans to communicate by telephone and an equipment distribution program that provides telecommunications devices for eligible Iowans.
Water
The IUC regulates one investor-owned water utility, Iowa-American Water Company, which serves approximately 213,000 customers.
The IUC does not regulate water utilities with fewer than 2,000 customers or municipal water utilities.
Sanitary Sewage and Storm Water Drainage
The IUC regulates the rates and service of investor-owned sanitary sewage and storm water drainage utilities. There are currently no investor-owned sanitary sewage or storm water drainage utilities; however, the IUC expects applications to be filed to provide that service.
Additional IUC Regulatory Authority
The IUC has jurisdiction under Iowa Code chapter 478 over the siting and construction of electric transmission lines capable of operating at 69 kV or more. The IUC has jurisdiction over the siting and construction of intrastate natural gas pipelines under Iowa Code chapter 479 and safety jurisdiction over both intrastate and interstate natural gas pipelines as an agent of the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The IUC has jurisdiction over the siting and construction of hazardous liquid pipelines under Iowa Code chapter 479B. The IUC does not have safety jurisdiction over hazardous liquid pipelines.
The IUC has authority through Iowa Code chapter 476 to resolve complaints, approve energy efficiency plans filed by investor-owned utilities, approve plans and budgets for compliance by investor-owned electric utilities with state and federal emissions and clear air regulations, and review affiliate transactions and proposals for reorganization filed by investor-owned utilities.