“uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç

Electric utility restructuring in Iowa will have to wait another year. A bill has failed for the second year in a row under pressure from Iowa labour and consumer groups (“uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç, April 2000). The bill did not include the provisions for renewable energy and conservation -- such as a renewables portfolio standard and net metering -- demanded by Iowa's governor. But it was fears for jobs if Iowa utilities were to deregulate, not fears for the environment, that led to the bill being defeated by labour unions and consumer advocates who believed retail electricity rates would rise. The bill is expected to be introduced again next year.