Legislative Correspondence - HSB185 Net Metering on Solar Energy Systems Copyrighted
March 4, 2019
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 24.
ITEM TITLE: Legislative Correspondence - HSB185 Net Metering on
Solar Energy Systems
SUM MARY: City Manager providing a copy of correspondence sent to
State Legislators expressing opposition to the elimination
of many benefits and incentives related to net metering on
solar energy systems.
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Letter to State Legislators re HSB185 Supporting Documentation
Dubuque
THE CITY OF
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50 West 13�h Street
Dubuque, lA 52001-4805
zom•aoia www.cityofdubuque.org
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February 25, 2019
«CompleteOFFICIALName_Address»
Dear «Title» «Last»,
On behalf of the City of Dubuque, I respectfully recommend you vote against House Study Bill
185 that would eliminate many of the benefits and incentives that home-owners, small
business owners, and non-profits derive from net metering on solar energy systems.
Expansion of solar on City of Dubuque facilities, homes, and businesses in one strategy we
have successfully engaged in Dubuque as we strive to meet our sustainability goals. This bill
would significantly diminish our community's ability to continue our work towards reducing our
dependence on fossil fuels, reducing our utility bills, and investing in local clean energy jobs.
Net Metering Brings Value to the Grid Distributed generation (DG) is electricity that is
produced at or near the point of use. When a customer's solar system produces excess
electricity, it goes back onto the grid, serving the needs of nearby customers. lowa
homeowners and businesses in all 99 counties bring value to the grid through their private
investments in solar.
Net Metering Encourages Private Investment and Job Growth Net metering is a driver of
solar sales. When an individual or business considers purchasing a solar system, net metering
is essential to a reasonable payback period for their investment. Net metering increases
demand for solar energy systems; creating jobs for the installers, electricians, and equipment
suppliers in lowa's growing solar industry. lowa's solar industry supports over 800 jobs in
communities across the state. An estimated 86% of solarjobs in the U.S. are for homes and
businesses with only 14% in the utility sector. Net metering is critical for these lowa jobs.
Net Metering in lowa and Elsewhere Net metering gives lowa homeowners and businesses
an option to take control of their energy costs. lowa's major utilities, MidAmerican and Alliant,
offer net metering policies regulated by the lowa Utilities Board. In states that have moved to
undermine or undo net metering policies there has been a serious decline in the number of
new solar installations.
HSB 185 will be a significant set-back in our efforts to encourage clean, renewable energy that
creates jobs, promotes environmental sustainability, and keeps energy dollars local. We hope
you will oppose this bill. Please contact us if you would like more information.
«Tltle» «Flrst» «Last»
February 25, 2019
Page 2
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