MidAmerican Files Proposed Energy Efficiency Program

DES MOINES- MidAmerican Energy Company has filed an application with the Iowa Utilities Board for approval of its proposed 2019-2023 Energy Efficiency Plan, designed to immediately reduce customer bills while continuing to create energy efficiency savings.

MidAmerican Energy is proposing a plan that will save the average residential customer $67 annually – enough to install LED light bulbs or a programmable thermostat. Commercial customers could realize an average savings of $152 per year and an average industrial customer could see savings of $6,500 per year.

In 2016, 47% of the energy MidAmerican Energy delivered to its Iowa customers came from renewable resources, all while striving to reach its 100% Renewable Energy Vision. In 2021, renewable energy is expected to equal 95% of its Iowa customers’ annual energy usage. The increase of renewable energy sources in MidAmerican Energy’s generation portfolio warrants a revised program that will allow the company to continue to offer some of the lowest rates in the country while putting more money back into customers’ pockets.

“Since the 1990s, MidAmerican Energy and its customers have come a long way in achieving the ultimate goal of energy efficiency requirements – to provide energy in an environmentally friendly and carbon-free manner,” said Bill Fehrman, president and CEO of MidAmerican Energy. “Currently, all customers help fund an energy efficiency pot of money that other customers can use. We believe it is time to return the spending decisions to our customers, empowering them to use their dollars in the way that works best for their family, instead of paying for other customers’ energy efficiency.”

Under the proposed plan, a comprehensive set of 17 programs will be offered that are designed to help customers manage energy use, reduce costs, protect the environment and increase business competitiveness.

“We are excited to provide this long-term strategy that offers energy efficiency opportunities along with customer savings,” stated Fehrman. “This is the right thing to do for our customers.”