CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Four organizations have formed a an advocacy group calling for reform in the way utility companies set rate increases. The entities that make up the group are Iowa Business Energy Coalition, Iowa Economic Alliance, Iowa Business for Clean Energy, and Large Energy Group. Although the coalition doesn’t have a group name. The group cited Alliant Energy’s most recent rate increase as a concern for both residents and businesses. Alliant’s increase was approved by the Iowa Utilities Commission back in Sept. In a news release, the group called Alliant a monopoly.

According to the U-S Energy Information Administration, Alliant had the highest electric rates in all of Iowa in 2023. And Iowa’s average rate was higher than 37 other states.

The advocate group said the cost of electricity is making it harder to operate a business in Iowa. It said the larger companies in Cedar Rapids like Quaker Oats and the hospitals already have expensive electric bills every month and the increase has added to that. The business group also suggested changing how Iowa utilities can charge customers for future projects. Right now, electric companies can charge customers before they start a new project. Ultimately, the group said it is pushing for legislation changes that would allow the Iowa Utilities Commission to regulate the way utility companies increase their rates, serving as a check of sorts.

Alliant Energy said they “Remain committed to cost-effectively meeting customers’ energy supply needs. Investing in a diverse energy mix and modernizing the energy grid delivers a more reliable, sustainable, resilient and secure energy future. The IUC’s decision positions us to accomplish this as we continue planning ahead, acting on behalf of our customers to ensure we’re ready to manage the rapidly changing energy landscape.”

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Fire and Cass EMS were dispatched at 7:22-a.m. to a house fire in the vicinity of 8th & Birch Streets. Flames were said to have been visible from the back of the home near the roof, when the call was dispatched.  Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel reports when firefighters arrived on the scene, smoke was visible. Cappel said there was an air conditioning unit in the upstairs that had been running. He said wiring in the wall caught fire because it wasn’t properly wired. 

The home sustained minimal fire and smoke damage. Power to the house was shut-off until the wiring can be fixed. Chief Cappel said the home’s residents will be displaced for a short period of time. There were no injuries, as the occupants of the home safely evacuated prior to the arrival of police and fire crews. Atlantic Fire was on the scene for about 30-to 45-minutes.

Ric Hanson/photo

RED OAK, Iowa — U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Thursday, announced her office will be holding traveling office hours in every county throughout the state during November and December. *Please Note: Senator Ernst will not be at the traveling office hours*

Representatives from Senator Ernst’s office will be available in all 99 counties to assist Iowans with problems and questions about issues involving Social Security, veterans’ benefits, military affairs, passports, immigration issues, and other federal programs. Constituents seeking assistance with federal agencies who are unable to attend the traveling office hours can contact one of the senator’s offices directly or submit a casework request online at www.Ernst.senate.gov.

Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

If you have any questions, please contact her office. A list of all the area upcoming dates and locations can be found below (in alphabetical order). All times are in the Central Time Zone. Additional dates, places and times can be found HERE.

Adair County

Friday, November 22, 2024; 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM; Adair County Courthouse Board of Supervisor Room (400 Public Sq.), Greenfield, IA.

Adams County

Wednesday, November 13, 2024: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM; Corning Public Library (603 9th St.), Corning, IA.

Audubon County

Thursday, November 14, 2024: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM; Audubon Public Library (401 N Park Pl.), Audubon, IA.

Cass County

Tuesday, November 12, 2024: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM; Atlantic Public Library (507 Popular St.), Atlantic, IA.

Guthrie County

Thursday, November 14, 2024: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Mary J. Barnnett Memorial Library   (400 Grand St.), Guthrie Center, IA.

Montgomery County

Wednesday, November 13, 2024; 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Red Oak Public Library (400 N. 2nd St.), Red Oak, IA.

Pottawattamie County

Tuesday, November 12, 2024: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Walnut City Hall (415 Antique City Drive), Walnut, IA.

Shelby County

Thursday, November 14, 2024: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Harlan Chamber of Commerce (1901 Hawkeye Ave.), Harlan, IA.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Wells Fargo is making more cuts to its workforce in West Des Moines. Iowa Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) reports that 32 workers will be laid off in late December. That brings the total number of workforce reductions in the metro to 334 this year.