Opportunities abound for energy efficiency and cost savings in the operations of Perry businesses and industries, according to three energy industry consultants who spoke at the Perry Chamber of Commerce and Perry Economic Development Lunch and Learn event Friday at the Hotel Pattee.
But the energy efficiency programs they described are under threat of elimination by Iowa legislators such as Sen. Jake Chapman (R-Adel), who claims the energy efficiency rider on ratepayers’ bills is a “tax” or “hidden fee.” The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance has called Chapman’s claim a “myth” and a “misunderstanding.”
Bills currently before the Iowa Legislature would change or eliminate some provisions relating to energy efficiency plans and programs for public utilities from the Iowa Code, effectively ending or significantly reducing the ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs described Friday by the utility representatives who visited Perry.
Chamber Director Lynsi Pasutti introduced the energy experts, MidAmerican Energy Business and Community Development Manager Debra Calvert, Alliant Energy Key Account Manager Mason Adams and Clearesult Consulting Program Specialist Kristen Weaverling.
Calvert discussed the role in economic development of Perry’s natural gas provider, MidAmerican Energy. Calvert is a veteran of Perry’s utility infrastructure, and she described her role on the team founding the Perry Industrial Park more than 30 years ago.
Mason noted Alliant Energy’s recent $17 million investment in upgrading Perry’s electricity grid 24.5 kilovolts, including the new substation west of town. He also discussed details of Alliant’s commercial renovation program for electric utilities.
Weaverling’s company, Clearesult Consulting, conducts energy assessments for Alliant and MidAmerican at commercial and industrial sites and then implements efficiency programs in coordination with the business owners.
