Alliant Reverses Solar Energy Stance

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s second largest power company has abandoned a stance that critics say improperly slowed the adoption of solar energy across the state.

Over the last year, Alliant Energy had told schools and municipalities that it would not allow net metering for rooftop power generating systems financed by third-party solar companies.

That meant customers would not be credited for excess energy generated during peak sun times and returned to the grid, which made many of the projects economically unfeasible. In response, customers delayed, downsized and shelved solar projects meant to reduce their energy costs and impact on the environment.

Alliant changed course in a legal filing last week after critics told the Iowa Utilities Board the utility’s position was illegal.

Solar advocates say the change means many projects can move forward.