Greater Des Moines Partnership to Host Wind Energy Discussion
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is hosting a panel discussion about the “Business Case for Wind Energy” on Monday, Oct. 17. Moderated by Director Debi Durham. Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the discussion will focus on the cost-effectiveness of wind energy for consumers in Iowa, including corporate consumers.
Iowa receives 31.3 percent of its electricity from wind alone, and also maintains consumer costs below the national average. Iowa’s leadership in wind energy has been cited as an important factor for businesses like Facebook and Google to open operations in Iowa, making it an economic development recruitment tool for the state.
A new Iowa-specific report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) also will be unveiled at the event by Michael Goggin, Senior Director of Research at AWEA. The report will highlight how increased wind energy builds in Iowa will positively impact consumer rates and help shield consumers from fluctuating prices that cause customer bills to increase.
Additional panelists include Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy, Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and John Boorman, Vice President of the Iowa Wind Energy Association.
The event will be from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, 700 Locust St., Ste. 100, in Downtown Des Moines. The event is free and open to the public, and registration is requested at DSMpartnership.com/events.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.