IUB must do more to contain energy rates

The Iowa Utilities Board regulates rates of two utilities, MidAmerican and Alliant. The purpose of the board is to ensure reasonably priced, reliable, environmentally responsible and safe utility services to all Iowans.

Except for reasonable prices, I believe both companies meet the service goals of the board. However, on pricing, especially for residential customers, Alliant is performing miserably.

Before the current rate increase, Alliant electric rates for residential customers were 50 percent higher than MidAmerican's. Alliant's residential gas customers were paying 48 percent more than MidAmerican customers. After the proposed increases, Alliant residential customers would be paying more than 85 percent above MidAmerican residential customers for gas and electric service. How can that be termed 'reasonable”?

Even though MidAmerican rates are so much lower,the company has built much more wind generation and out-performed Alliant in other ways. Why?

With rates already so excessive, how can Alliant management embark on wasteful and extravagant meter replacements? Doesn't Alliant management have any concern for their residential customers who are suffering shut offs because of the high rates?

Will the Iowa Utilities Board take its responsibility to provide reasonable costs seriously? A strong message needs to be given to Alliant that unreasonable prices for residential customers will no longer be tolerated.

Dick Hierstein

Marshalltown