Alliant is still pushing a 15% increase. Here are the recent developments. Andy Johnson, Executive Director On October 3rd, intervenors including the Office of Consumer Advocate, large business, and environmental groups filed a “non-unanimous, partial settlement” proposal with the Iowa Utilities Board. While the Decorah Area Group (DAG) testimony was certainly part of the body of evidence and pressure on the company to settle, DAG believes the settlement terms
Author Archives: Kristin Eggen
Members of the “Decorah Area Group,” a group of citizens and experts from our area who submitted testimony against Alliant’s proposed rate increase, are in Des Moines this week to attend rate case hearings. From left: Jim Martin Schramm, Dave Berg, Andy Johnson, and Sheila Tipton. Jim is an Energy District Board member and Director of Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities. Andy is our Executive Director here at the Winneshiek
On Monday, September 30th, a new Green Iowa AmeriCorps team started orientation at the Winneshiek Energy District. This is the 10th Green Iowa AmeriCorps team that our organization has hosted! This year’s team consists of Briana Burke, Lucas Griesheimer, Rowan Collins, and Jessica Hegdahl. Briana Burke is a returning member to our Green Iowa Americorps team. Last year she contributed as the team’s logistics coordinator and is coming back to
Hearings for the Alliant Energy proposed rate increase will be held October 7-10th, 2019 in Des Moines. WED Executive Director Andy Johnson and board member Jim Martin-Schramm will attend as interveners. The public is welcome to view the hearings via webcast. Save this link to tune in on the 7th. Need a primer? Read Andy’s blog post titled Electric Rates Matter to Every Community.
Joel Zook, Energy Planner Below is an overview of 2019 tax credits that may help make your next solar, geothermal, or electric vehicle purchase possible. Solar If you haven’t already heard 2019 is the last year for the full 30% federal tax credit on solar. The credit declines next year to 26% and 22% in 2021. Those are still generous discounts on a solar system but waiting a year to
Kristin Eggen, Communications Join us for an energy LUNCH. While there are many amazing local solar installers, perhaps you’ve imagined installing your own solar panels? The Winneshiek Energy District and Northeast Iowa Community College invite the public to a lunchtime lecture “The Bumps and Benefits of DIY Solar” at NICC’s Wilder Business Center on Tuesday, October 15th at 12 PM. The hour-long lunch-and-lecture will feature NICC’s Electrical Industrial instructor Jeff
Andy Johnson, Executive Director With the potential phase-out of various tax credits, we’re often asked (or we offer) our perspective. Here it is, in brief. Renewable energy tax credits have worked: they have driven the scaling up of the industry, driven down costs, and driven market transformation and job creation, which to a large degree is what they’re meant to do. Tax credits are not an equitable approach to incentivizing a clean energy transition.
On the evening of Saturday, September 21st, 2019 thirty-six people squeezed in the Oneota Co-op’s Kitchen Classroom to view the documentary “Paris to Pittsburgh.” The 73-minute film explored America’s movement toward renewable, clean energy in the face of climate change catastrophes around the country. Stories from Miami to Ventura, from Pittsburgh to Puerto Rico showed how localities are responding to natural disasters caused by a changing climate. It was a
Are you a farm or small business owner looking for support for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements? Or perhaps you’re simply curious about programs available to support rural communities? If so, September’s Energy Breakfast is one you won’t want to miss. On Tuesday, September 17th at 7:30 AM at T-Bocks Underground join USDA Rural Development Program Specialist Norman Brus learn about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP
Are you looking for a “green” job? Do you love to serve others? Green Iowa AmeriCorps is currently seeking full-time service members for Fall 2019. Serve with us here at the Winneshiek Energy District or at one of the other sites across Iowa. Learn more and apply at greeniowaamericorps.org