As we collectively adjust to a new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to also celebrate good news in Iowa. As a member of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum, I’d like to congratulate all the stakeholders that met over the past year to find a compromise on solar energy policy that works for all Iowans. Senate File 583 was recently signed into law by Governor Reynolds after passing unanimously in both the state House and Senate. This important legislation provides consistency, reliability and the opportunity for solar energy to continue to grow in Iowa.

Highlights of the bill include the codifying of net metering in Iowa law, grandfathering of existing customers in their current plans, and a transition to a Value of Solar rate in the future. This will provide predictability for Iowa’s solar industry, customers and utilities while diversification of our state’s energy portfolio will continue to keep costs low for all customers.

Iowa has long been a renewable energy leader and benefited from a ripple of economic impact from wind and solar investments in the state. Thanks to the collaboration of many organizations, Iowans will continue to the benefits of state’s clean energy transition at all levels.

Trudy Caviness, Ottumwa