Senate File 517

Incorporates SF 517, dealing with energy building codes and energy efficiency, and SF 544, dealing, chiefly, with the Energy Bank Program at the Department of Natural Resources.
Provides that the majority of the remaining petroleum overcharges moneys, distributed by the Federal government to Iowa and to other states, currently in accounts at the DNR, be used to revive the operation of the Energy Bank Program.
Provides that the Energy Bank Program – consisting of energy audits and the arrangement for low interest bank loans to pay for retrofitting public buildings to achieve energy efficiency – may charge those public sector entities which choose to take part in the program a cost recovery fee.
Amends the municipal utility chapter of the Iowa Code by allowing for proprietary information which is a part of the records of municipal utilities to be considered confidential.

SF 2386 was what started out long ago as the Governor’s energy proposal, and looks little like it now. There is no 25/2025 Renewable Standard nor is there a 1 ½% Efficiency Goal. It is not negative, requiring studies in the area of efficiencies by all energy untilities, but little else to recommend it.

Senate File 2386

Establishes a two year commission within the Building Code Commissioner’s office to study energy building codes and code enforcement by the state and by political subdivisions and to examine voluntary energy efficiency efforts in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Such efforts should be recognized and used as examples.
Provides that the Office of Energy Independence shall perform a technical review of the maximum cost-effective potential for renewable energy generation in Iowa by 2025 and make recommendations. (This could be changed to have the review performed by the Iowa Utilities Board with the OEI having final review authority.)
Provides that non-rate regulated electric and natural gas providers assess savings to be achieved through their own energy efficiency programs and that they establish an energy efficiency goal based on the assessment. Reports are due to the IUB by July 1, 2009. These utilities shall report on their progress toward such goals to the IUB every two years.
The IUB may establish or take part in a program for tracking the trading of renewable energy credits by utilities operating within Iowa.
The Legislative Council is asked to establish an interim study committee on the existence and effectiveness of energy efficiency programs operated by Iowa utilities.