Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
NEVADA, IOWA – Rural households spend a higher percentage of their income on energy bills compared to metro households, according to a fact sheet released today by the Center for Rural Affairs. “Energy efficiency in rural Iowa,” analyzes the impact energy efficiency has on resiliency, reliability, and equity of the state’s energy system.
“Energy efficiency is a key component of reducing energy costs in rural communities,” said Katie Rock, policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs and author of the fact sheet. “During the 2019 legislative session, the Iowa Legislature will have the opportunity to address this key issue.”
Today, Jan. 22, is Energy Efficiency Day at the Iowa State Capitol. During the last legislative session, Senate File 2311 was passed, which established spending caps for energy efficiency programs, like Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Programs. These programs provide weatherization and kits to help low-income households save on their energy bills and are essential to help those who are behind on bills lower their energy demands. As a result of Senate File 2311, funding for these programs was cut by more than 50 percent.
“Policy that supports energy efficiency across the state is crucial to building a stronger, more equitable energy system in Iowa,” said Rock. “Advocacy days, like today, show legislators how the development of more clean energy projects, like community solar and wind, will help move Iowa’s rural communities forward.”
To view the fact sheet, visit cfra.org/publications.
