Why should business engage?

Iowa Business for Clean Energy is interested in fostering discussion and education on energy policy from a business perspective. The future competiveness of Iowa businesses will be dependent on access to clean, reliable and low-cost energy.

Our electric utility policies are not set up to encourage the cleanest and most efficient energy use in the future.  Those policies run counter to all we know of what drives innovation and an efficient allocation of resources.

First: Electric utilities have a guaranteed monopoly - Iowa law prohibits any competition.

Second: unlike businesses in free markets, an electric utility’s profit is based on how much it spends on capital expenses...not necessarily on the efficient allocation of resources.

Third: the utilities make more profits when demand for electricity increases, yet they are in charge of implementing the programs that are intended to reduce demand.

With the right policies, Iowa can leverage innovation and market forces to increase renewable energy adoption, give businesses more energy flexibility and drive down costs for Iowa businesses - and residents.

What is missing is Iowa businesses broad engagement. We need to ensure all Iowa businesses understand how energy policy will impact their competitiveness in the future.