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Mission: The Iowa Utilities Board regulates utilities to ensure that reasonably priced, reliable, environmentally responsible, and safe utility services are available to all Iowans. Vision: The Iowa Utilities Board is valued as the regulatory expert and solutions-oriented partner regarding utility issues.
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New Process to Submit Docket Comments, Objections, or Letters of Support to the IUB
On June 22, 2022, the IUB launched its new online open docket comments form in its electronic filing system (EFS). The IUB actively encourages utility customers, stakeholders and members of the public to participate in cases (i.e. dockets) that are pending before the IUB. The most common method for consumers to participate and make their voices heard is by providing written comments in dockets.
Previously, individuals had to file written comments using a form on the IUB website. After a user submitted their written comment, a PDF was generated summarizing the submission. That PDF was sent to an IUB managed inbox. From there, IUB staff had to manually upload the PDF into the docket in EFS. This process involved several steps and when the volume of comments is high, the filing of comments could experience processing delays.
Individuals are now able to submit comments, objections, or letters of support related to certain dockets using the new EFS form. The new process will streamline the written comments process and reduce the time between submission and upload to EFS. This will also significantly reduce time spent by IUB staff uploading comments. The new EFS form collects the same information as the old website form, with the addition of the user being able to select what type of content they are submitting (Comment/Objection/Letter of Support). Additionally, the user can opt out of docket notifications for non-objections. This new process also includes a more user friendly redesigned PDF form.
The new EFS comments form can be found in EFS, and there are links to the new form on the IUB website. The previous website comment form URL has been redirected to the new form in EFS so that materials with the old URL will still be valid.
New FCC National 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline Begins July 16
For the past several months the Federal Communications Commission has been undergoing a transition to a three-digit dialing code (988) for callers to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Beginning July 16, 2022, anyone dialing 988 will automatically be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The change has already impacted Iowa customers in the 515 and 319 area codes by requiring callers to use ten-digit dialing to complete local calls. Due to this transition, customers continue to adjust their dialing practices and any services that currently utilize seven-digit local dialing. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator that oversees the area code system tracks progress on this change. Read more here.
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Franchise Records Now Searchable in EFS
The IUB has updated the electronic filing system (EFS) with a new feature to make electric transmission line franchise records searchable and reportable in EFS. Electric transmission franchise records can now be found by performing a ‘Franchise Search’ in EFS under the Search dropdown menu.
Franchise records provide specific information about the franchise, including the docket number where the franchise was issued, primary company, the issue and expiration dates, line voltage information, and more.
Dockets Open for Pending CO2 Pipelines in Iowa
The IUB has authority over hazardous liquid pipelines, which includes liquefied carbon dioxide, pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 479B and 199 Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) chapter 13. Currently, the IUB has three dockets open that relate to CO2 pipelines, Docket No. HLP-2021-0001 Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC (Summit), Docket No. HLP-2021-0003, Navigator Heartland Greenway LLC (Navigator), and Docket No. HLP-2022-0002 Wolf Carbon Solutions US LLC (Wolf).
On January 28, 2022, Summit filed a Petition for hazardous liquid pipeline permit. The IUB is reviewing Summit’s petition. On May 31, 2022, Summit filed a request for a revised proposed procedural schedule with the IUB. On June 17, 2022, the IUB denied Summit's request to establish the procedural schedule.
Once a public hearing is scheduled for Summit, the IUB will hear evidence in favor of or opposing the proposed pipeline. Following the hearing, the IUB will consider all information presented, including comments and objections filed in the docket, before issuing a final decision and order.
Navigator's initial series of public informational meetings have been held.
On June 7, 2022, Navigator announced a letter of intent between Navigator and POET, a biofuel company, to capture, transport and store five million tons of CO2 annually.
On June 15, 2022, Navigator filed a request with the IUB for additional landowner public informational meetings in 12 counties and a revised proposed pipeline route map. Navigator noted in its filing that the additional meetings requested are due to changes in the proposed pipeline route. These additional informational meetings will restart Navigator's timeframe by which it can file its petition for a hazardous liquid pipeline permit with the IUB. Pursuant to 199 IAC 13.2(1), Navigator has between 30 days and two years from the final public informational meeting to file its petition.
On June 28, 2022, the IUB filed a letter in docket HLP-2021-0003 approving 12 additional public informational meetings, plus one virtual meeting, which addressed Navigator's June 15 filing.
On June 24, 2022, Wolf filed a letter with the IUB in docket HLP-2022-0002 requesting public informational meetings in five Iowa counties, plus one virtual meeting. The IUB is reviewing Wolf's request and any IUB action will be filed in the docket.
IUB's Joshua Byrnes Elected as Mid-America Regulatory Conference At-Large Officer
In addition to his duties for the Iowa Utilities Board, IUB Board Member Joshua Byrnes was recently elected to serve as an at-large officer for the Mid-America Regulatory Conference (MARC), a regional organization of utility commissions representing 14 states of which Iowa is a member. The election for the position was held during MARC's June 2022 annual meeting in Chicago.
In this role, Brynes will work to share ideas and discuss regulatory and policy issues affecting the MARC states, region and the nation.
Byrnes has served on the IUB since December 14, 2020.
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Dual Party Relay Service Programs and Council Aids Consumers who have Difficulty Hearing, Speaking
By authority of the Legislature, the IUB oversees programs that provide telephone accessibility to Iowans who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking. Those programs are Relay Iowa and Telecommunications Access Iowa.
Relay Iowa is a telephone relay service that helps individuals who have hearing and/or speech difficulties with communicating over the telephone. During a Relay Iowa phone call, a communication assistant is present and can assist with facilitating the call in a variety of ways. For information on how to use Relay Iowa, visit the Relay Iowa website.
The Iowa equipment distribution program, called Telecommunications Access Iowa, helps individuals pay for specialized telephone equipment that is designed to assist in communicating more effectively over the telephone. Qualified individuals can receive a voucher for approximately 95 percent of the average cost of specialized telephone equipment such as amplified phones, captioned telephones, and wireless devices.
Individuals who have difficulty hearing or speaking on the telephone can contact Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI) for more information on how to apply for an Equipment Distribution Program voucher. Call 800.606.5099 (toll-free voice), 515.282.5099 (voice), 515.207.0776 (videophone), or 515.237.3917 (fax); email info@teleiowa.com; or go to the TAI website.
The Dual Party Relay Council (DPRC) meets quarterly and advises the IUB on matters related to the relay service and equipment distribution program. Under Iowa Code chapter 477C, the 11-member DPRC must consist of six individuals who have communication disorders; two representatives from telephone companies; a representative from the Office of Consumer Advocate, a division of the Iowa Department of Justice; a representative from the Office of Deaf Services of the Iowa Department of Human Rights; and a member of the IUB or designee. Currently, all seats on the DPRC are filled.
IUB Billing Rates Process Underway
At the start of each fiscal year, the IUB calculates a unique billing rate that is applied to each job classification at the IUB. The hourly rate is designed to recover IUB's total budgeted expenses less receipts from other sources (grants, fees, etc.). Billing rates are calculated using actual salary and fringe benefit information from staff, and an overhead factor is also applied, which represents costs that cannot be directly assigned to any company or industry. Employees track their work hours for time spent on dockets and other projects.
The IUB issues direct assessments to utilities and other stakeholders on a quarterly basis. These invoices are calculated by multiplying the time recorded on a docket/project by the requisite billing rate in order to arrive at the total of the assessment. Objections to assessments can be made pursuant to 199 IAC chapter 17.
Tips to Save Energy and Stay Cool During Summer Heatwaves
Home energy-related costs tend to rise with the temperature. The summer heat and humidity can take its toll on electricity loads that peak in the summer months, especially the afternoons when it's hotter and the use of fans and air conditioners is heaviest. This demand for electricity drives the cost, which is reflected in your utility bill.
What can utility customers do to save money and energy? One step to help control cooling costs is to adjust your thermostat settings when you are asleep or away from home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10 percent a year on cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day from its normal setting. You can do this automatically by installing a programmable or "smart" thermostat, which vary in price and offer the most efficient and comfortable means for scheduling the times you want to adjust your temperature and store the daily settings. Persons with health concerns should check with their doctor before dramatically changing the temperature in their homes.
Other tips to help lower electric usage and stay cool include:
- Regularly maintaining your air conditioner by cleaning and replacing air filters to prevent clogging and consider hiring a professional to check that your air conditioning unit is working properly
- Closing blinds or shades during the day to keep the heat out
- Consider cooking outside to avoid oven use
- Closing off vents in rooms not in use
- Positioning fans in a room to circulate air evenly
- Unplug electrical devices that are not being used
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2022 Legislative Session Adjourns
Originally slated to end on April 20, the 2022 session of the 89th General Assembly of Iowa adjourned sine die on May 25. This year, the IUB did not have any technical or policy proposals under consideration. Additionally, there were no confirmations for Board members. On May 25, 2022, SF2385 (the Administration and Regulation appropriations) passed the Senate by a vote of 26 to 18. On May 24, 2022, the House then approved the appropriation legislation with a vote of 54 to 35. On June 17, 2022, the Governor signed the legislation which sets the authorized IUB FY23 Budget at $9,226,468.
IUB Hearing and Meeting Calendar
Monthly public Board meetings may be attended in person or viewed via livestream. (Board meetings begin at 9 a.m.)
- July 12
- August 16
- September 12
Public Hearings are scheduled in the following dockets:
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RPU-2021-0003 Interstate Power and Light Company (Alliant), 8 a.m. August 8-10, IUB Hearing Room
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E-22437 MidAmerican Energy: 10 a.m. August 15, Allison Public Library, Allison
Public Informational Meetings are scheduled in the following dockets:
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E-22519 MidAmerican Energy Company, 5:30 p.m. September 8, Hitchcock Nature Center at the Loess Hills Lodge, Honey Creek
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HLP-2021-0003 Proposed Navigator Heartland Greenway carbon capture pipeline:
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Delaware County - 12 p.m. August 22, 2022: The Gathering Place, 1711 N. Second St., Manchester
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Buchanan County - 6 p.m. August 22, 2022: Heartland Acres Agribition Center, 2600 Swan Lake Blvd., Independence
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Fayette County - 12 p.m. August 23, 2022: The Coliseum, 101 First St. S.W., Oelwein
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Bremer County - 6 p.m. August 23, 2022: The Centre Hall, 1211 Fourth St. S.W., Waverly
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Butler County - 12 p.m. August 24, 2022: Greene Community Center, 202 W. South St., Greene
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Hardin County - 6 p.m. August 24, 2022 - ECC Agricultural Renewable Energy Center, 509 Ellsworth Ave., Iowa Falls
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Hamilton County - 12 p.m. August 25, 2022: Briggs Woods Conference Center, 2501 Briggs Woods Trail, Webster City
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Webster County - 6 p.m. August 25, 2022: Webster County Fairgrounds, Auditorium Building, 22770 Old Highway 169, Fort Dodge
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Lyon County - 12 p.m. September 13, 2022: Forster Community Center, 404 First Ave., Rock Rapids
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Osceola County - 6 p.m. September 13, 2022: Ninth Street Centre, 418 Ninth St., Sibley
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Lee County - 12 p.m. September 15, 2022: Lee County Fairgrounds, Youth Learning Center, 1100 N. Main St., Donnellson
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Polk County - 12 p.m. September 21, 2022: Location to be determined and once confirmed, the information will be filed in the docket
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Virtual Meeting - 6 p.m. September 21, 2022: Participation via the IUB WebEx system. See details at iub.iowa.gov
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