On February 11, HSB 81, which would establish a new community solar program in Iowa, passed out of the House Commerce Committee unanimously (23-0) – a week after passing unanimously out of Subcommittee (3-0). The legislation sponsored by House Commerce Chair Shannon Lundgren will now go before the Iowa legislature’s full House.
This legislation, which will soon be accompanied by a companion bill in the Senate, will establish a new energy program that will provide Iowa families with more choices and lower costs when it comes to their utility bills. It will also expand economic opportunity across the state, including for small family farmers who can install projects without compromising their crops.
“Our Community Solar initiative provides Iowans with more affordable energy options, serving as one component of a broader, holistic energy strategy,” said House Representative Hans Wilz. “By implementing this solution, we aim to generate cost savings for Iowans. Additionally, its smaller scale makes it well-suited for brownfield spaces, underutilized areas that currently have no other viable uses, maximizing efficiency and sustainability.”
Community solar is an energy solution that empowers anyone with an electric bill to choose affordable, locally generated solar power, encouraging new competition in the energy market, providing more energy choices for consumers and strengthening the grid for all. Individuals, local businesses, schools and other subscribers sign up for a certain amount of energy from a project and then receive a credit on their energy bill, providing guaranteed bill savings.
“Iowa lawmakers just sent a powerful message: community solar isn’t about politics, it’s about common sense,” said Matthew Hargarten, VP of government and public affairs at the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA). “Today’s unanimous vote shows that expanding access to affordable, locally produced energy is a win for consumers, farmers, and businesses alike. Now we urge the full legislature to keep the momentum going and make community solar a reality for Iowans.”
News item from the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA)
