Electric Utility Board Hosts Meeting to Consider Solar Power Modifications

AMES, Iowa - The Electric Utility Operations Review and Advisory Board (EUORAB) will host a public meeting concerning the future of solar energy in Ames at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 in the City Hall City Council Chambers, 515 Clark Ave.

Topics to be covered include how Ames Electric Services compensates solar customers for electricity produced beyond what a customer needs, how individual solar systems are incentivized, and how to support the growth of solar power in the community.

The Ames City Council accepted the community's first Climate Action Plan in 2023. The plan includes an aspirational renewable energy goal of 93% by 2050. Within the Ames Electric Services territory, there are 210 individual solar arrays including residential and commercial customers. These panels have the capacity to generate 1,596 kW of electricity.

"The Ames City Council continues to encourage renewable energy in all forms. We know that utility-scale wind and solar will be important to making significant progress toward that goal," said Ames Electric Services Director Donald Kom. "The key is to continue to incentivize investments in solar energy without creating a subsidy between customers who invest in renewable energy and other customers."

The meeting will include a presentation from EUORAB members with Ames Electric Services staff available to answer questions. EUORAB is a mayor-appointed, volunteer board of Ames residents and Ames Electric Services customers. The Board investigates and reviews all aspects of the operations of the utility, and reports to the Ames City Council regarding management practices, planning, proposals, rate structures, and power sale contracts.

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