Keep Duane Arnold Energy Center open

On July 27, NextEra Energy and Alliant Energy announced they would be severing their energy agreement five years early with no chance of renewal. I was greatly disappointed to hear of the closing resulting in the loss of 500 plus jobs.

The $300 million benefit over 20 plus years to ratepayers is quite debatable; along with little or no concern to the cooperatives that purchase the remaining power.

It is extremely concerning and frustrating to me that Alliant Energy expects the rate payer to pay the $110 million buyout to NextEra Energy and the cost of eliminating the jobs of their neighbors and friends.

We need to ensure Iowa has a dependable base load of power and believe this should still include the Duane Arnold Energy Center.

For those of you who share my frustration, contact the Iowa Utilities Board. Their address is 1375 East Court Ave., Des Moines, IA 50319, or call (515) 725-7300.

For those impacted by the early closure of the power plant that may need assistance, please don't hesitate to get ahold of me at (319) 350-9760.

Rep. Louis J. Zumbach

House District 95