Tips to Save Energy

What can utility customers do to save money and energy?  One simple step to help control heating and cooling costs is to adjust your thermostat settings.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day from its normal setting.  You can do this automatically by installing a programmable or "smart" thermostat, which vary in price and offer the most efficient and comfortable means for scheduling the times you want to adjust your temperature and store the daily settings.  Persons with health concerns should check with their doctor before dramatically changing the temperature in their homes.  Closing off vents in unused rooms may also help lower usage. For additional energy saving tips, review the IUB Consumer Informational brochures, or call your local utility.

Winter heating season financial assistance may be available to qualified low-income residents through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program. In addition, Iowa's utility companies offer voluntary customer contribution funds through which customers can make a voluntary contribution on their utility bill to benefit those less able to cope with high winter heating bills.

Iowa Utilities Board Informational Brochures

Links to Other Energy Efficiency Information

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Utility Companies Serving Iowa

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Energy Assistance Programs

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  • Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - This is a federally funded program administered by the State of Iowa and the various local Community Action Program (CAP) agencies. Qualified households may receive a one-time per year payment to assist with their household heating costs, regardless of heating fuel type. Application is made with the local CAP agency serving the community of residence of the applicant. Applications are accepted on a first come-first served basis at your local community action agency Monday through Friday, from November 1 through April 30 (October 1 for households with elderly/disabled member), or as posted at the local community action office. Once an applicant is qualified, the utility is notified and the applicant is eligible for protection from disconnection of energy utility service between November 1 and April 1. The LIHEAP payment is made directly to the utility or heating fuel vendor.
  • Weatherization Assistance Program - The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal grant program established to help reduce the heating and cooling costs for low income persons, particularly the elderly, disabled, and children, by improving the energy efficiency of their homes.
  • Voluntary Customer Contribution Funds - Under Iowa law, energy utilities are required to operate a voluntary contribution fund where utility customers may add additional money to their monthly payment and have it deposited in a low income heating assistance fund. The money is then turned over to local social service agencies for distribution to needy low income persons needing assistance paying their energy bills. Each gas and electric utility operates an independent fund and they go under such names as Project Helper, ICARE, ISHARE, etc. In recent years contributions have averaged around $700,000. Even more will be needed this year to assist those struggling to pay high bills. These contributions are generally recognized as tax deductible. Ask your natural gas or electric utility for details.

Printed from the website on January 19, 2021 at 4:40am.