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Iowa Electricity Information

Iowa is a national leader in wind energy, generating the majority of its electricity from wind turbines. Natural gas and coal still contribute, but the state’s commitment to renewables has significantly reduced its reliance on fossil fuels. Thanks to abundant wind power, Iowa enjoys some of the lowest electricity prices in the country. Emissions have declined as coal use decreases, and with continued investments in clean energy, the state is moving toward an even greener future.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Wind

Total Generation: 69,836,973 MWh
Ranks 21st Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 15.39¢ /kWh
Ranks 8th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $129.58
Ranks 21st Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

26th Highest

24 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

20th Highest

19,702 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

24th Highest

20,711 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

4th Highest

42,908,941 MWh
61.44% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Iowa

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

45th Lowest

Average Per Person: 445 million BTU

Electricity consumption in Iowa is shaped by its agriculture-heavy economy and Midwest climate. The state experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters, leading to high energy use for both air conditioning and heating. Additionally, farming operations and food processing facilities require large amounts of power. Despite its high energy needs, Iowa’s low electricity prices and renewable energy leadership help keep costs manageable for homes and businesses.

Municipal Utilities in Iowa

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Iowa offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Iowa, 140 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Iowa

The rest of Iowa receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Iowa Natural Gas Information

Iowa’s use of natural gas has shifted alongside its changing energy mix. Coal long dominated electricity generation, but as wind became the state’s signature resource, natural gas stepped in as the flexible partner that keeps the grid balanced when the wind isn’t blowing. Today it also remains a household staple, with about two-thirds of homes using natural gas as their primary heating fuel. Cold Midwest winters create sharp seasonal peaks in residential demand, while hot, humid summers see gas-fired plants pick up electricity load. In 2023 the residential sector accounted for about 18% of in-state deliveries and the commercial sector about 12%, while industry and power generation used the rest.

Utilities like MidAmerican Energy, Alliant Energy, and Black Hills Energy procure and deliver gas to the state. Iowa stands out because natural gas plays a dual role. It provides reliable heating during some of the harshest winters in the country and it serves as the balancing fuel that enables Iowa’s nation-leading wind industry to keep growing.

Average Natural Gas Price

$2.21 /CCF

Ranks 18th Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$101 /month

Ranks 25th Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

10th Lowest

Average Per Person: 135.53 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Iowa

Many of the residents of Iowa receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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Iowa Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

87.16%

Ranks 24th in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

42.88%

Ranks 32nd in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

50.49%

Ranks 40th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Iowa

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Iowa have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Iowa homes online and in the loop:

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Know Your Rights as a Customer

Iowa law provides specific protections to ensure fair treatment by utility companies.

The "20-Degree Rule": By law, your electric or gas service cannot be disconnected for non-payment if the National Weather Service forecasts the temperature to drop below 20°F during the following 24-hour period.
Medical Emergency Provision: If a resident in your home has a health condition that would be endangered by a utility shut-off, you can delay disconnection for 30 days by providing a medical certificate from a doctor or public health official to your utility company.
12-Day Notice: Utility companies must mail you a written notice at least 12 days before disconnecting your service. This gives you a window to set up a payment plan or dispute the bill.

Going Green in Iowa

Iowa is a leader in renewable energy, and homeowners can take advantage of state-specific incentives.

Net Metering

If you install solar panels, Iowa law typically allows for "net metering." This means any excess electricity your panels produce is sent back to the grid, and you receive a credit on your bill to use later.

Tax Exemptions

Sales Tax: Solar energy equipment is exempt from Iowa state sales tax (saving you 6-7% upfront).
Property Tax: The added value of a solar system is exempt from property taxes for 5 years, meaning your property taxes won't go up just because you increased your home's value with solar.

Understanding Your Bill

Budget Billing: Because Iowa has hot, humid summers and freezing winters, bills can fluctuate wildly. Most providers (like Alliant and MidAmerican) offer "Budget Billing" or "Level Payment Plans." This averages your annual usage into 12 equal monthly payments, making it easier to budget without surprise spikes in January or July.

Utility Costs in Iowa

The average monthly total utility bills in Iowa is $263.26, which is 5.01% lower than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$130

Lower than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$101

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$33

Lower than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Iowa

If you are struggling to pay your heating, electric, or water bills, Iowa offers several state-federally funded programs, as well as specific options for seniors, veterans, and students. The most important step is to act early, especially before the winter heating season begins.

Statewide Government Assistance

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is the primary program in Iowa for heating assistance. It is not a welfare program but a federally funded grant that provides a one-time payment to your utility provider to help cover winter heating costs.

Eligibility: Based on household size and gross income (at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines). Both homeowners and renters are eligible.
Protection: If you qualify for LIHEAP, you are also eligible for protection from utility disconnection from November 1 through April 1 (the Winter Moratorium), provided you stay current on your payment arrangement.
When to Apply:
- October 1: Applications open for households with a member who is 60 years or older or disabled.
- November 1: Applications open for all other households.
- April 30: Deadline for all applications.
How to Apply: You must apply through your local Community Action Agency. You can also apply online during the open period.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

Households that qualify for LIHEAP may also be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program. This program permanently reduces your utility bills by making your home more energy-efficient through adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and checking furnace safety.

Assistance for Seniors (60+)

Seniors in Iowa receive priority processing for energy assistance.

Early Application: You can apply for LIHEAP starting October 1st, a full month before the general public.
Rent Reimbursement: If you are 65 or older (or disabled) and have a low income, you may qualify for the Iowa Rent Reimbursement program. While this doesn’t pay the utility company directly, it provides a cash reimbursement that can relieve your overall budget burden.
Area Agencies on Aging: For additional support, including help navigating these applications, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

Assistance for Veterans

Iowa provides specific safety nets for veterans who find themselves in financial crisis.

County Commissions of Veterans Affairs: Every county in Iowa has a Commission of Veterans Affairs office. These offices often manage a fund to provide temporary emergency financial assistance to eligible veterans and their families for necessities like rent and utility bills.
- Example Benefit: Many counties can provide up to $300 (or more) to pay a current or delinquent utility bill if you are facing disconnection.
- Find Your Office: Locate your County Veterans Affairs Office here.

Assistance for Students

While students often do not qualify for federal LIHEAP if they are claimed as dependents on their parents’ taxes, there are other resources available.

University Emergency Funds: Most Iowa colleges (such as ISU, U of I, and UNI) and community colleges (like DMACC or Kirkwood) have “Student Emergency Funds.” These are grants specifically designed to help students stay enrolled during a financial crisis, such as an inability to pay a utility bill. Contact your Dean of Students or Financial Aid Office.
Campus Food Pantries: Many campuses now operate food pantries (e.g., The Shop at ISU, Hawkeye Food Pantry at U of I). Utilizing these for groceries can free up cash to pay your electric bill.

Learn more in the Student Utilities Setup Guide

Utility Company Programs

Many Iowa utility providers have their own charitable funds to help customers who don’t qualify for government aid or still need extra help.

MidAmerican Energy: The I CARE program offers funding to those who are unemployed, on a fixed income, or experiencing a crisis.
Alliant Energy: The Hometown Care Energy Fund helps low-income customers and seniors pay their energy bills.
Black Hills Energy: The Black Hills Cares program matches customer and employee donations to assist those in need.

2-1-1 Iowa

If you are unsure where to start or need immediate help with a disconnection notice, dial 2-1-1 on your phone or visit 211 Iowa. They can direct you to the nearest food pantries, community action agencies, and charitable organizations in your specific zip code.