This report was produced in 1995 by Glen Weisbrod of Hagler Bailly*, Karen R. Polenske of MIT*, Teresa Lynch of MIT* and Xianuan Lin of Boston Univ.. *Note: Weisbrod and Lynch subsequently became staff of Economic Development Research Group; Dr. Polenske is a consultant to the firm.

This study examined the long-term economic development implications of energy efficiency programs, energy pricing/ cost changes, and renewable energy (biomass and wind power). It received national attention because it featured several firsts:

1. A detailed survey of the state's utilities and agencies to document how different program elements affect the private sector economy through spending, participation, program delivery and trade ally mechanisms;

2. A survey of manufacturers and distributors to document the extent of in-state purchases from suppliers and in-state sales to customers;

3. An economic profile of financial savings, costs incurred and the business revenue gains associated with different types of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs; and

4. Application of a dynamic, time-series model, which extended the basic input-output model framework to also account for price shifts, labor/capital substitution, business profitability and economic development competitiveness issues. The REMI model was used as a basis for applying a larger economic impact forecasting system.

Download report - part 1, which includes the Executive Summary, Ch.1 Introduction and Ch.2 Methodology. pdf file (677k)

Download report - part 2, which includes Ch.3 Analysis of Energy Efficiency Programs and Ch.4 Analysis of Renewable Energy Production Scenarios. pdf file (522k)

Download report - part 3, which includes Ch.5 Iowa Model Template, Appendix A. Inventory of Iowa Programs and Appendix B. Survey Instrument. pdf file (609k)

Download the article: Weisbrod, G. & H. Friedman. 1996. "Economic Competitiveness Impacts of Utility Rates and Programs" Energy Services Journal, v.2, n.3, Summer, pp.133-146. pdf file (180k)