Garner City Council opposes Alliant rate incrase

To the editor:

On February 13, 2024, the City of Garner passed a resolution opposing the magnitude of Alliant Energy’s proposed electric rate increase.  The resolution was filed with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) on February 14. To date, 68 communities in Alliant’s monopoly service territory have submitted similar resolutions to the IUB. 

The Garner City Council also voted on February 13 to join the CEDI Coalition. The Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) formed the CEDI Coalition to help communities have a greater voice before the IUB. It is an official intervenor in the docket (RPU-2023-0002).  To date, 39 communities have voted to join the CEDI Coalition.

Alliant’s proposal to raise electric rates is the third, and largest, rate increase request in seven years. If approved as proposed, this increase will raise rates for all rate classes (residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal) by 13-20% and be phased in over two years beginning in October 2024.  Alliant’s residential rates are almost the highest in the State of Iowa and third highest in the Midwest.

A 15% to 20% increase to the City’s current electricity purchases will result in an increased expense of $37,000 to $50,000.  That is money that could otherwise be spent on vital public services.

Garner’s resolution encourages all citizens and ratepayers in Garner to voice their perspectives and concerns to the Board by submitting comments and objections by email to customer@iub.iowa.gov or by mail at Iowa Utilities Board, 1375 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319-0069.  All communication should reference Docket RPU-2023-0002 in the subject line of the email or letter.

Sincerely,

Mayor Timothy Schmidt