Iowa House of Representatives approves Senate bill to loosen energy efficiency program requirements

The Iowa House of Representatives voted 52-42 early Friday morning to approve legislation written by the Iowa Senate which would reduce the amount of money consumers are charged to support energy efficiency programs.  Republican representative Michael Bergan of Decorah was among the 42 lawmakers voting against the legislation.

Alliant Energy has registered in support of Senate File 2311.  Republicans say the bill will save money for utility customers.  Democrats say the bill will weaken energy efficiency programs currently underwritten by ratepayers and utilities.

After seven hours of debate on the legislation, the Iowa House approved the bill and sent it back to the Iowa Senate for concurrence.