How wind and traditional energy work together to power Iowa

MidAmerican Energy's electric rates in Iowa are 44% below the national average.

Why it's important: Reliable, affordable electricity supports Iowa homes and businesses, and demand is growing as the U.S. expands its AI infrastructure.

• MidAmerican's mix of renewable and traditional energy sources, like coal and natural gas, helps the company meet customers' needs while preparing for future demand.

💡 Based in Des Moines, MidAmerican is a rate-regulated utility company serving 1.6 million electricity and natural gas customers across Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and South Dakota.

• The company has spent more than 20 years investing in renewable energy while maintaining traditional power plants to meet customers' needs, regardless of weather conditions.

How it's done: MidAmerican combines wind and solar energy with flexible thermal generation to take advantage of renewable energy without fuel costs while keeping traditional power sources available when needed.

• The company has invested approximately $15.8 billion in wind and solar projects to date.
• Its coal plant operators monitor wind and weather forecasts and adjust generation based on conditions and electricity demand.

An example: A coal generation unit at MidAmerican's Neal Energy Center in Woodbury County cycled on and off more than 40 times in 2025.

• This flexibility allows MidAmerican to use more wind energy when it's available, reducing fuel costs and emissions, while keeping coal generation available when needed.
• Okay, but: Restarting a coal-powered turbine can take 10 to 24 hours, and frequent cycling puts added strain on equipment.
• MidAmerican has adapted its operations and maintenance schedules to keep plants flexible and reliable.

🌨️ Two major winter storms show why MidAmerican relies on a mix of energy sources to keep power reliable when weather conditions change.

• January 2024: Winter Storm Finn brought wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph. MidAmerican met most of its customers' electricity needs through wind generation.
• January 2026: Winter Storm Fern brought extremely cold temperatures but little wind. MidAmerican relied heavily on its thermal power plants to keep service reliable.

The results: MidAmerican's energy strategy has increased electricity generation while reducing emissions.

• Since 2005, total generation has increased 95%, while carbon dioxide emissions have fallen approximately 30%, nitrogen oxide emissions 71% and sulfur oxide emissions 87%.

👷 Worth a mention: MidAmerican's wind and solar investments also benefit Iowa's rural communities.

The projects create jobs, support local economies and provide a steady source of income for landowners.

Key numbers:

• Nearly $60 million: Property taxes paid on wind turbines across 35 Iowa counties in 2025, helping fund schools, emergency services, and local roads and bridges.
• $45.7 million: Landowner easement and lease payments for MidAmerican wind projects.
• 4,000+: Primary and neighboring landowners partnering with MidAmerican across Iowa.

The takeaway: MidAmerican's energy mix helps keep electricity reliable and affordable for Iowa customers while supporting the state's economy and preparing for growing demand.

Learn more.