Dive Brief:
- The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) approved MidAmerican Energy's plan to spend $550 million on energy efficiency programs through 2018, about $100 million more than the utility has been spending on efficiency.
- MidAmerican Energy, based in Des Moines, Iowa, expects the efficiency programs will lower sales by 1.1 million MWh, or 1.2%, and cut peak demand by 504 MW by 2018.
Dive Insight:
Earlier this month, the IUB approved $400 million in efficiency spending by Interstate Power & Light. IP&L's efficiency investments are expected to lower sales by 1.1% over the next five years. Add in MidAmerican Energy's 1.2% savings level and electric sales growth in Iowa will likely remain muted over the next few years.