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Public utilities

MidAmerican Energy Company's Wind Prime Project: Critical Issues for Advance Ratemaking Principles

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Large technology companies, including Google, Meta, and Microsoft, have submitted a joint brief to the Iowa Utilities Board, raising critical concerns about MidAmerican Energy Company's proposed Wind Prime project. The project seeks to establish advance ratemaking principles for a mix of up to 2,042 megawatts of new wind generation and up to 50 MW of new solar generation. The tech companies emphasize that MidAmerican must demonstrate that it has considered other sources for its long-term electric supply and that the proposed facilities are reasonable compared to alternative sources. This is crucial, as advance ratemaking decisions have a long-term impact on the life of assets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Tech Customers (Google, Meta, and Microsoft) are owners and operators of large data centers within MidAmerican's assigned exclusive service territory.
  • The Tech Customers are worldwide leaders in sustainability efforts, supporting renewable energy development in Iowa and globally.
  • MidAmerican seeks advance ratemaking principles for its proposed Wind Prime project involving up to 2,042 MW of new wind generation and up to 50 MW of new solar generation.
  • The Iowa Utilities Board (Board) requires MidAmerican to demonstrate that it has considered alternative sources of supply and that the proposed facilities are reasonable compared to alternative sources.
  • The Tech Customers have not seen these demonstrations from MidAmerican, despite multiple rounds of pre-filed testimony and a week-long hearing.

Statistics:

  • Up to 2,042 MW of new wind generation is proposed as part of the Wind Prime project.
  • Up to 50 MW of new solar generation is proposed as part of the Wind Prime project.
  • The proposed Wind Prime project involves a mix of wind and solar generation.
  • The Iowa Utilities Board requires advance ratemaking principles to have a long-term impact on the life of assets.
  • The Board will make 12 ratemaking principles, proposed by MidAmerican, the Office of Consumer Advocate, and the Iowa Business Energy Coalition.

Sources:

  • STATE OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BEFORE THE IOWA UTILITIES BOARD: IN RE: Docket No. RPU-2022-0001 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY POST-HEARING BRIEF OF THE TECH CUSTOMERS [Source: Iowa Public Utilities Commission, STATE OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BEFORE THE IOWA UTILITIES BOARD]

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