From Jim Stalker
Creston
According to a recent story in your paper, “Alliant Energy to recoup cost of green energy investments,” customers will see a bump in their bills as early as April as Alliant tries to recoup the cost of its investment in improved infrastructure. Now, which is it? Recoup the cost of its infrastructure? Or pay for the cost of its proposed investment in clean energy?
Let’s break that down a bit. Infrastructure first ... I thought infrastructure meant replacing bridges and roads in the transportation industry. In the utility business, it would mean replacing utility poles and wiring. Keeping a wearing out system in good working order.
Green Energy improvements and the cost of that? I would assume that would mean recouping the cost of building wind generators. I haven’t seen proof that they actually exist, as of yet. A comment was made in the paper that by adding their coal, gas, nuclear, and now, when their wind farms come online and operate for a full year, customers will see a bonus of the average $65 per month drop to $54 per month in 2021. Wow! I’d be happy if my utility costs were as low as $65 per month.
Are you confused? I know I am. The proposed rate increase will begin next month and continue until the Iowa Utility Board makes up its mind. They have up to 10 months to make that decision. Let’s not forget that the state of Iowa allows utilities a profit of 11 percent above their costs.