Consumer protection and transparency measures are more critical than ever as the clean energy transition advances. Energy policies should be designed to ensure utilities act in the best interest of their customers, the communities they serve, and the environment. People should not lose their homes, health, or livelihoods due to energy generation or energy bills.

Ratepayers have a right to affordable and reliable energy.

Ratepayers have the right to a resilient energy system that has the fewest negative impacts on the environment and consumers, with a focus on distributed, clean, renewable generation.

Ratepayers have a right to clear, appropriate, accessible avenues for redress and conflict resolution.

Ratepayers have a right to continued service during all disputes.

Ratepayers have a right to privacy and consumer data protection.

Ratepayers have a right to fair billing, and to not be unduly charged or discriminated against when applying for service.

      • For example, a new customer should not be responsible for the unpaid bills of a previous resident. A credit check should not be required for utility service.

Ratepayers have a right to clear and transparent rate and billing information.

Ratepayers have a right to payment assistance programs that facilitate reliable access to energy year-round.

Ratepayers have a right to transparency of utility energy costs and value of infrastructure assessments in legal municipalization projects.

Ratepayers have a right to be protected against utility shut-offs both during the winter months and the months of extreme heat to protect the health and wellbeing of customers.

Ratepayers have the right to environmental and public health protections, including:

      •  Safe siting of energy generation resources
      • Avoidance and remediation of environmental pollution caused by energy generation
      • Financial compensation for harms done to communities from energy generation
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Learn More: Download Iowa Ratepayer Bill of Rights