Iowa Citizen Action Network

Renewable Energy For Iowa

Using Energy Efficiently

Increasing the amount of work that a kilowatt of energy can do will improve Iowa's economy, energy security and environment.

Download a PDF format flyer version of this fact sheet suitable for reproduction and distribution.

This information was taken from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Energy Bureau, and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.


What does it mean to be energy efficient?

Essentially, an energy efficient economy is an aware and resourceful economy. Energy consumption has increased faster than our population has grown. This extra energy consumption wastes money and pollutes our air and water. Enhancing efficiency standards and increasing funding for energy efficiency will improve Iowa's economy, environment and energy security.
  • Economic Benefits: A study by Tom Wind, an Iowa energy consultant found that for every dollar spent on energy efficiency measures, three dollars were saved. Energy efficiency creates jobs in Iowa and reduces energy prices that save consumers money. Energy efficiency is the cheapest way to fulfill our energy needs.
  • Energy Security Benefits: Greater energy efficiency measures will reduce oil and coal imports and improve the reliability of the U.S. electric grid. Using less energy is the easiest way to reduce our dependence on any one energy source.
  • Environmental Benefits: The more energy efficient we are the cleaner our water and air. Every kilowatt-hour saved displaces a kilowatt-hour generated, typically reducing fossil fuel use.

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How is the state of Iowa going to achieve greater energy efficiency?

  1. Government procurement: The Iowa Code already requires state government to use energy efficiency, but that code is not enforced. The Department of Natural Resources Energy Bureau estimates that the state could save $20 million dollars in operating expenses by implementing electricity and heating efficiency. Because the state does not track transportation costs specifically, there is no estimate for transportation savings. There are two basic things the state can do to drive energy efficiency: a) require agencies to report heating, electricity, and transportation costs of energy consumption to determine potential waste and money-saving opportunities b) require state agencies to use all cost-effective energy efficient technologies.

  2. New funding: Traditionally, energy efficiency programs in Iowa have been funded by a nominal public benefits charge on ratepayers of the Investor Owned Utilities. The process of leaving energy efficiency to the companies that sell electricity and natural gas is counterintuitive and ineffective. Charges for energy efficiency should be increased and paid for by all electric users.

  3. Better Standards: Appliance and equipment efficiency standards save consumers and businesses money, reduce energy consumption, and cut down on pollution from power plants. With new standards for commonly used appliances, Iowans would save $55.5 million per year off their utility bills in 2010, and $151.3 million per year in 2020. In addition to saving money, increased efficiency standards would save 191.4 million kWh and 41.8 tons of particulate matter (PM10) emissions by 2010, and 1326.4 million kWh and 112.4 tons of particulate matter by 2020.

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