Frequently Asked Questions
What is an E-Community?
The E-Community program is a pilot initiative sponsored by Alliant Energy-Interstate Power and Light Co. (IP&L). The program provides a framework and funding for energy management initiatives on a community-wide basis. What is the goal of the E-Community program?The goal is to encourage an interest in energy and environmental activity. We believe that if people work together to identify and step up energy conservation and efficiency efforts, we can reduce expenditures, improve productivity, enhance overall comfort, increase economic profitability, advance employment prospects and safeguard the environment. Why is this program needed? |
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Iowa imports 97.3% of its energy resources, making the state almost completely dependent on outside sources of fuel. Energy efficiency is the least-costly and most immediate method to meet energy supply issues. In fact, it costs less than 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour to implement energy efficient solutions, versus 4 to 10 cents per kilowatt-hour for new energy through traditional fossil fuel generation. In addition, by reducing the amount of energy needed to run homes and businesses, those dollars can be reallocated to important activities within the communities. How does the program work?Alliant Energy-IP&L identifies and contracts with a community organization to be the program sponsor. The sponsor hires a program coordinator who recruits an advisory committee. The advisory committee and coordinator then work together to develop an action plan to identify and execute energy management initiatives across all segments of the community—from renters to homeowners to business and industry. Learn more about E-Community Dubuque Learn more about E-Community Grinnell Learn more about E-Community Mount Vernon The committees will develop Community Action Plans, promote implementation of identified projects and report back on initiatives. The plan will be developed over the next few months with implementation over the following year. Completed projects can earn financial rewards from Alliant Energy-IP&L of up to $300,000. The dollars will be used to benefit the E-Communities, including charitable programs, as designated by the advisory committees and approved by partners. What will the community action plans include?Initiatives the E-Communities will pursue include:
Review the E-Community Dubuque Action Plan Review the E-Community Grinnell Action Plan Review the E-Community Mount Vernon Action Plan How long does the E-Community program last?Alliant Energy-IP&L provides financial support to the participating communities for approximately two years. After that time, the community is responsible for seeking other sources of funding for continued activities. Program sustainability is a key element to be addressed in each community’s action plan. How will the communities benefit?Community leaders expect the program to benefit a wide range of area industries, businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and residents. A community committed to wise energy use provides an attractive environment where manufacturing industries and other businesses can survive, succeed and expand. By setting reasonable goals and taking practical first steps to realize measurable reductions in energy usage, the communities will curb expenditures, improve productivity, enhance overall comfort, increase economic profitability, advance employment prospects and safeguard the environment. How does E-Community benefit me?Implementing energy efficiency measures not only helps individuals and businesses save money on their utility bills, it also helps stimulate the economy (as dollars saved can be redirected), increases productivity and improves the environment. In addition, executing the action plan will earn financial rewards from Alliant Energy-IP&L that will be used to benefit the entire community, as directed by the community sponsoring organization. Can I still take advantage of other energy efficiency incentives?Yes! All Alliant Energy customers in participating E-Communities remain eligible for any energy efficiency incentives, such as rebates, that are available. Can my community participate?At this time, the E-Community program is a pilot initiative under test in two communities, Dubuque and Grinnell. The program may be extended to other communities in 2006 depending on the success of the pilot. How does E-Community fit with other Iowa energy initiatives?The Iowa 2002 Comprehensive Energy Plan is to reduce electric and natural gas consumption statewide 20 percent by 2010. In accordance, the E-Community Dubuque Program, its partnerships and strategic alliances, will aim to support the State of Iowa realize this target to help to ensure affordable and secure energy supplies that minimize environmental impacts for current and future generations. How does E-Community differ from Rebuild America or Rebuild Iowa?The E-Community program is modeled on Rebuild America, and Alliant Energy-IP&L works in partnership with the Iowa DNR to provide training and support resources for the initiative. The main difference is that funding for E-Community is being provided by Alliant Energy-IP&L. How can we learn more about E-Community? | |
24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4268).