Supporters and opponents of legislation intended to help MidAmerican Energy land financing for the state’s second nuclear plant have escalated their battle, unleashing newspaper ads, old-fashioned political pressure and a new poll as Senate debate approaches.
House File 561 would allow the investor-owned utility to do something it has not done with any other power plant: charge ratepayers for a plant before it’s constructed. That would occur only if the Iowa Utilities Board decides the proposal makes financial sense for consumers. The board also would have to sign off on each year’s financial plan for the plant, if the Senate version passes.
Continue reading at Heated battle over nuclear plant nears critical mass
