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Waverly utility staff brief board on new state load-forecasting requirement and estimated costs
Summary
Staff told the board a recently passed state economic development bill requires utilities to file load forecasts with a first reporting deadline of Dec. 31, 2028; staff expects to hire a consultant at an estimated $5,000–$10,000 every two years and an Iowa State University administrative fee roughly 0.02% of prior-year revenue.
Utility staff briefed the City of Waverly utilities board on a new requirement created within a recently passed state economic development bill that will oblige electric utilities to file load forecasts.
Director (speaker 6) said the bill requires a load forecast based on prior-year numbers, with the first reporting period due by Dec. 31, 2028 (reporting 2027 numbers). "We're probably gonna bring a consultant in to do that. Similar to what we do like a cost of service study," the director said.
Staff estimated the consultant work would likely cost in the $5,000–$10,000 range every two years; they also said Iowa State University is expected to assess an administrative fee to participating utilities, which staff described as approximately 0.02% of the previous year's revenue. Staff said the forecasting data will be aggregated and submitted through the state process to inform longer-term planning for generation and transmission needs.
Board members asked about comparability to peer utilities and potential risks; staff and the auditor noted that utilities vary and cautioned comparisons can be imprecise. Staff said they will return to the board with additional details and likely a plan to procure consultant services when regulatory guidance is finalized.
