Nuclear power bill clears committee

The Iowa Senate Commerce Committee late yesterday passed House File 561, legislation that would enable MidAmerican Energy Co. to continue to pursue the potential of new nuclear generation in Iowa, MidAmerican said in a release. An amendment was passed that will require the Iowa Utilities Board to conduct a review of the utility’s expenditures each year to make sure they fall within a predetermined cap and are rational and prudent. In addition, language was added to the bill making it explicit that the utility would pay the costs of a nuclear plant first before any costs are collected from customers.The legislation does not authorize MidAmerican Energy to move forward with a nuclear project or increase rates to customers, the company said. The next step in the legislative process is a vote on the legislation by the full Senate.

 

The Iowa Senate Commerce Committee late Tuesday passed House File 561, legislation that would enable MidAmerican Energy Co. to continue to pursue the potential of new nuclear generation in Iowa, MidAmerican said in a release. An amendment was passed that will require the Iowa Utilities Board to conduct a review of the utility’s expenditures each year to make sure they fall within a predetermined cap and are rational and prudent. In addition, language was added to the bill making it explicit that the utility would pay the costs of a nuclear plant first before any costs are collected from customers.The legislation does not authorize MidAmerican Energy to move forward with a nuclear project or increase rates to customers, the company said. The next step in the legislative process is a vote on the legislation by the full Senate.