Iowa Power & Light Co. v. Iowa State Commerce Commission

HARRIS, Justice.

The question here is whether respondent Iowa state commerce commission 1 properly discharged its statutory mandate in setting rates for alternate energy production facilities [AEP’s] and small hydro facilities. The commission’s action in setting a statewide, fixed, minimum rate was challenged by seven investor-owned public utilities. The district court found the challenge was valid. We agree.

Both congress 2 and the Iowa legislature have enacted legislation intended “to encourage the development of alternate energy production facilities and small hydro facilities.” Iowa Code §…