Reader questions Alliant’s commitment to planet

Last year I put in motion the installation of five solar panels on my garage, the roof of which is a 45-degree angle facing due south. Even on subzero winter days, snow would melt from direct sunlight. I decided such solar energy should not go to waste. The procedure began with calling Alliant Energy and speaking with a middle-manager in charge of interfacing with customers who had an interest in saving unsustainable energy demands.

The Alliant employee was helpful in outlining necessary preparations and supplying names of companies who installed solar panels. I was very thankful but asked why Alliant was keen on assisting this sort of initiative. He said that Alliant is interested in being on the right side of history when it comes to environmental issues.

Now, it seems to me that Alliant has become a perfect embodiment of corporate greed. Say it ain't so, bro.

In 2018 Alliant made a gross profit of $2.5 billion. Ignoring the long-range benefits of solar energy for the planet, Alliant's board of directors are blinded by avarice and cynical disparagement of human intelligence. We all know what they are doing - paying out huge amounts of money for lobbying and television ads in support of taxes or fees to make it more difficult to implement solar energy. What's most disturbing is their arrogance in thinking they can buy anything, especially the idea to the general public that their ox is being gored.

Karl Knutson

Cedar Rapids