A survey conducted on behalf of the nonprofit Iowa Environmental Council found that more than 74 percent of energy efficiency employers in Iowa expect their business to be harmed by cuts in state programs last year.

More than half expect to lay off workers in the next six to 12 months, according to the email survey conducted by Iowa State University’s Center for Survey Statistics and Methodology. 

Senate File 2311 made major cuts in electric efficiency programs for customers of MidAmerican Energy, Alliant Energy and Black Hills Energy, the council said. Municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives don’t have to provide energy efficiency programs any more. 

“We are disappointed, but not at all surprised, to see the impact the extreme cuts to efficiency programs have had on Iowa energy efficiency retailers, manufacturers and contractors,” Kerri Johannsen, the council’s energy program director, said in a statement. 

Nearly 84 percent of the businesses surveyed stated that they expect lower sales in the next six to 12 months. More than half, 53 percent, expect to face laying off employees, and almost 40 percent anticipate workers will leave their company. Another 2 percent expect to hire more workers. 

“Energy efficiency programs support small businesses and our community members. A lot of my customers would not be able to make needed efficiency upgrades to their homes without these rebate programs,” Matthew Thomas of Prevailing Resources, an Ankeny insulation company, said in a news release. “The ability to insulate makes a home more comfortable – warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer – while making energy expenses more affordable. Our policymakers can make a difference by returning support to the programs, which aid the Iowans most in need and encourage the growth of the small businesses that deliver these essential services.” 

In all, 53 of 237 people contacted responded to the survey. The council could not immediately say what the margin of error was.