Iowa Lawmakers Must Reject Energy Monopolies

Right of First Refusal Laws Hurt Iowa Consumers

Sign The Letter

Dear Official,

Thank you for opposing efforts to create Right of First Refusal (ROFR) in Iowa and for protecting competition in the marketplace by shielding ratepayers from unnecessary increases to our utility bills!

Why ROFR is Harmful to Iowa:
- Increased Consumer Costs: ROFR legislation eliminates competitive bidding, leading to higher costs for transmission projects. Studies show that states with ROFR laws see transmission costs increase by 20% to 30%. These costs are passed directly to consumers, resulting in higher electricity bills for Iowans.
- Economic Impact: Higher energy costs can stifle economic growth, deterring new businesses and industries that rely on affordable energy. According to the R Street Institute, reinstating ROFR could add an additional $387 million to project costs over 40 years, with $46 million specifically impacting Iowa residents.
- Lack of Innovation: Without competition, there's less incentive for utilities to innovate or seek cost-effective solutions, potentially leading to outdated infrastructure and missed opportunities for integrating new technologies.
Legal Precedents Against ROFR:
- State Actions: Similar attempts at ROFR have been rejected in neighboring MISO states like Wisconsin and vetoed in Illinois, favoring competition to protect ratepayers.
- Trump and Biden Administrations: Both the Trump and Biden administrations have opposed the establishment of ROFR. Most recently, the Trump DOJ stated: "By restricting the construction of new power grid infrastructure to incumbent electrical transmission owners, the Bill can harm consumers by reducing or eliminating competition..." and "...lack of competition in this market has the potential to cause harm at a substantial scale."
Why ROFR is Harmful to Iowa:

I appreciate your efforts to oppose ROFR legislation which would've resulted in rate increases and the stifling of innovation, moving us back towards monopoly power. Competition has clear benefits in reducing costs and improving service quality, ensuring a fair market that serves all Iowans, not just a few. Thank you for upholding competitive principles that are fundamental to our economy and us the rate payers.

Sincerely,

First Name

Last Name

Address Line 2

Address Line 1

Zip Code

Mobile Phone

Email Address

City

By checking the box, you agree to receive text messages.

Thank You for Opposing Right of First Refusal (ROFR) in Iowa

Why ROFR is Harmful to Iowa:

Increased Consumer Costs: ROFR legislation eliminates competitive bidding, leading to higher costs for transmission projects. Studies show that states with ROFR laws see transmission costs increase by 20% to 30%. These costs are passed directly to consumers, resulting in higher electricity bills for Iowans.
Economic Impact: Higher energy costs can stifle economic growth, deterring new businesses and industries that rely on affordable energy. According to the R Street Institute, reinstating ROFR could add an additional $387 million to project costs over 40 years, with $46 million specifically impacting Iowa residents.
Lack of Innovation: Without competition, there's less incentive for utilities to innovate or seek cost-effective solutions, potentially leading to outdated infrastructure and missed opportunities for integrating new technologies like renewable energy more efficiently.

Legal Precedents Against ROFR:

State Actions: Similar attempts at ROFR have been rejected in neighboring MISO states like Wisconsin and vetoed in Illinois, favoring competition to protect ratepayers.
Trump and Biden Administrations: Both the Trump and Biden administrations have opposed the establishment of ROFR. Most recently, the Trump DOJ stated: "By restricting the construction of new power grid infrastructure to incumbent electrical transmission owners, the Bill can harm consumers by reducing or eliminating competition..." and "...lack of competition in this market has the potential to cause harm at a substantial scale."

Contact Your Lawmaker: Thank them for their opposition to ROFR. They were a strong leader when Iowa ratepayers needed them most, by protecting a fair, competitive energy market in Iowa.