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Iowa Utilities Board preapproves more solar generation for Alliant
Utility is evaluating next steps after clearing initial hurdle
Brittney J. Miller
Oct. 20, 2023 4:05 pm, Updated: Oct. 31, 2023 10:09 am
After nearly two years and several denials, the Iowa Utilities Board has preapproved two Alliant Energy solar projects that total 200 megawatts in capacity.
The decision follows the board’s preapproval of the Duane Arnold Solar facilities earlier this year.
Interstate Power and Light Co., an Alliant subsidiary, originally asked the IUB in November 2021 for preapproval of 400 megawatts of solar and 75 megawatts of battery storage, along with their associated lifetime costs and rates.
The projects included the Duane Arnold Solar projects that Florida-based NextEra is building near Palo.
The additional 200 megawatts have since been identified as the Creston Solar Project and Wever Solar Project.
The IUB originally denied the application last November, stating that Alliant didn’t adequately consider alternative energy generation options that could be cheaper for both the utility and its customers. The denial made it less likely that Alliant would end up owning the Duane Arnold Solar facilities, an Iowa Environmental Council representative previously told The Gazette.
Last December, the IUB decided to grant reconsideration of the 200-megawatt Duane Arnold Solar facilities on a standalone basis, contingent on receiving additional evidence from Alliant on its decision-making process. It denied reconsideration of the Creston Solar Project, the Wever Solar Project and the 75 megawatts of battery storage slated for the Duane Arnold facilities.
By May, the board found that the additional evidence met the requirements set by Iowa Code, showing that company ownership of the Duane Arnold Solar facilities is reasonable when compared to other alternatives. It preapproved the projects — marking a first for solar projects in Iowa.
This summer, Alliant entered a settlement agreement for the IUB to reconsider the Creston and Wever solar projects. The agreement did not include the 75 megawatts of battery storage.
After review, the IUB found that Alliant’s additional evidence provided the information necessary to meet Iowa Code, proving Creston and Wever solar projects are reasonable compared to alternative energy options. It granted the utility advance rate-making principles for the four solar facilities and approved the settlement agreement.
“We will be evaluating the IUB’s order and next steps as we continue our steadfast focus on serving our customers and building stronger communities,” Alliant spokesperson Melissa McCarville said in an email.
Brittney J. Miller is the Energy & Environment Reporter for The Gazette and a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.
Comments: (319) 398-8370; brittney.miller@thegazette.com