Iowa Announces Program to Push Reduced Energy Bills

Iowa’s Office of Energy Independence has announced the launch of a new community grants program to “promote ways to reduce energy bills through energy efficiency practices and renewable energy use,” according to OEI officials.  

OEI will administer the program funded through the Iowa Power Fund. The Office of Energy Independence will accept applications from $1,000 to $50,000 under this new program.  

Office officials say local governments and community-based organizations are “ideal groups to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy, particularly as they assist Iowans in navigating difficult economic conditions.” 

The idea behind the program is that creating local programs that focus on managing energy use “will help to create good local jobs and allow Iowans to reduce their energy costs.” The Office of Energy Independence’s mission is to “set the strategic direction for Iowa’s clean energy future by identifying goals to achieve desired results.”

A little background: During the 2009 session of the 83rd Iowa General Assembly, a new grant program was established, funded through four percent of the annual appropriation of the Iowa Power Fund. So for the fiscal year 2010 the Power Fund was appropriated $21.6 million, which allows up to $864,000 available for this program. 

Cities, counties and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for funding to support community-based programs. Examples of qualified programs would be along the lines of promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy locally, training for or creating jobs in the energy arena, establishing a community energy efficiency plan, creating public awareness about energy issues or helping community members understand how to identify and implement energy improvements. 

Earlier this week TMC had the news that the ultimate effect of the sale of Iowa Telecom to Arkansas-based Windstream (News - Alert) Corporation remains uncertain one day after news of a pending deal broke.  

What those close to the deal are saying indicates the most likely outcome includes the expansion of the Newton call center coupled with the restructuring of some redundant positions once the companies integrate in 2010.