Energy News Network reports that environmental and solar groups contend a bill backed by MidAmerican Energy Co. and other utilities is intended to make it harder for property owners to install solar arrays. Iowa House Study Bill 185 would reduce payments to customers for the solar power they generate but don’t use. Solar energy trade group representative Tim Dwight said that is an attempt to shut down the industry in Iowa, and the Iowa Environmental Council said the move is at least premature. A MidAmerican Energy spokeswoman said the bill is intended to ensure that solar array owners pay their share of the cost of the electrical distribution system, and the bill language makes that same point.
