Energy Efficiency Programs

The IUC approves energy efficiency plans of Iowa investor-owned utilities. Energy efficiency plans in Iowa address both electric and natural gas usage through a variety of programs that attempt to give all customers opportunities to participate.

Iowa law that governs Iowa Energy Efficiency can be found at Iowa Code 476.6(13) and (15).  IUC rules that apply to energy efficiency can be found in the Utilities Division section of the Iowa Administrative Code, 199—chapter 35.

See other energy efficiency information.

Investor-owned Utilities (IOUs) Energy Efficiency Program Overview

• Plans must be cost-effective, with five benefit-cost tests used to determine cost-effectiveness from the perspectives of the participating customers, the utility, the combination of the utility and customers, and the impact on utility rates.
• Plans must include programs for all types of customers.
• Plans must include an analysis of potential for energy efficiency, and must include performance standards in terms of energy and capacity savings.
• IOUs recover costs through an automatic rate pass-through, reconciled annually to prevent over-recovery or under-recovery.
• The IUC is authorized to conduct prudence reviews of IOU energy efficiency, with authority to disallow imprudent costs.

Investor-owned utilities (IOU) offer many energy efficiency programs. The IOUs’ plans include programs based on proven strategies and pilot programs that test new methods of helping customers reduce energy consumption. Programs typically target customer classes or subgroups of customers, and often provide rebates or loans for energy efficient equipment or building components. 

To find out which programs are underway for various types of customers, and what customer incentives may be available, visit these utility company websites:

• Alliant Energy / Interstate Power and Light Company 
• Liberty Energy (Midstates) Corporation (f/k/a Atmos Energy)
• Black Hills Energy (f/k/a Aquila Networks)
• MidAmerican Energy Company

Additional information: Chaz Allen, Iowa Utility Association - 515-282-2115

Energy Efficiency Dockets in EFS

Current and recently approved Energy Efficiency Plans may be found by searching EFS at the docket links shown in the table.

Earlier documents are available in EFS; however, filings prior to 2009 are unavailable electronically and may be requested through IUC Customer Service. Call 515-725-7300 or email customer@iuc.iowa.gov.

Note: Beginning with 2024-2028 plans, the docket numbers reflect the company's filing number rather than the order in which dockets were opened.