Iowa Rejects Power Transmission Plan
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- - Iowa energy regulators has turned down bids by utilities Interstate Power and Light Co. and MidAmerican Energy Corp. to move control of their electricity grids to Translink Co., an independent transmission company.
The Iowa Utilities Board said there were too many unanswered questions about regulatory jurisdiction and the position of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on forming Regional Transmission Organizations, or RTOs.
The IUB said it wanted more time for study and encouraged the Iowa utilities to file new applications.
Interstate Power and Light is a unit of Alliant Energy Corp. ((LNT.N)), and MidAmerican is a subsidiary of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co., part of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., controlled by billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
FERC has ordered utilities to join RTOs as part of its effort to develop a more open and competitive electric transmission system spanning the United States.
Translink was formed by 10 utilities to own and operate power systems in 13 states mainly in the Midwest and Southwest.
FERC's campaign has been endorsed by many utilities in the Midwest and Northeast but has run into opposition from utilities, regulators and lawmakers in the Southeast and West.
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