To target the installation of residential wind turbines in the State, a new Iowa law allows municipalities to establish small wind energy innovation zones to optimize local, regional, and state benefits from wind energy and to facilitate and expedite interconnection of small wind energy systems with electric utilities throughout the state. The program will be administered by the Iowa Utilities Board, which is also charged under the new law with developing a model interconnection agreement by June 1, 2010. The Iowa League of Cities, the Iowa Association of Counties, the Iowa Environmental Council, the Iowa Wind Energy Association, and representatives from the utility industry are tasked with developing a model local ordinance that contains an expedited small wind system approval process. The model law must be adopted by municipalities who desire to qualify as a small wind energy innovation zone. In addition, the owner of a small wind energy system may qualify for the renewable energy tax credit.
2009 New Laws, H.B. No. 810
A copy of the bill text can be accessed here
