Energy in Iowa

Iowa has been among the top-five energy-consuming states, due in large part to its productive agriculture industry. State regulators implemented the nation's first renewable portfolio standard (RPS) applied to investor-owned utilities in 1983. The goal of 105 megawatts was soon met, and was exceeded nearly 100 times over by the end of 2019. All electrical utility customers have had the option to support further expansion of renewable generation since 2004, and regulators have also taken steps to encourage greater efficiency of energy use. Iowa has produced more electricity than it has consumed since 2008.

Ethanol

In 2022, Iowa was estimated to produce 4,500,000,000 U.S. gallons (1.7×10¹⁰ L) of ethanol per year, a quarter of the national capacity. As such, Iowa is the largest state by ethanol production capacity. However, the state's production is nearing capacity for its 42 plants.