The Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Energy Center have launched two new financial assistance programs to facilitate energy-related projects in Iowa — the IEC Grant Program and the Alternate Energy Revolving Loan Program. The IEC Grant Program, funded by gas and electric utilities across Iowa, is open to Iowa businesses, colleges and universities, and private nonprofit agencies and foundations. Eligible projects must provide a benefit to Iowa’s electric and natural gas utility customers, and aid in the implementation of at least one of the seven key focus areas of the Iowa Energy Plan. Grant awards will range from $10,000 to $1,000,000; however, most grants awarded will be in the $150,000 to $300,000 range. The AERLP will provide zero-interest loans to eligible borrowers for alternate energy production projects such as solar, wind, biomass and combined heat and power. Loan amounts may range from $25,000 to $1 million and cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. The Iowa Energy Center has historically offered financial assistance for energy-related projects. When management of the IEC transitioned to IEDA by legislative mandate in October 2017, the board began evaluating existing projects and putting together the framework for the new programs, the agencies said in a release. “We’re pleased to launch the Energy Center’s grant and loan programs and encourage interested Iowans to submit innovative, impactful and diverse projects that maximize the energy-economic benefits throughout our state,” said Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority. For more information on both programs, click here.