By Andi Anderson
Iowa communities are no strangers to extreme weather, from tornadoes and floods to drought and hailstorms. However, the devastating 2020 derecho prompted many towns to rethink how to strengthen their electrical systems and minimize future damage.
As part of its strategic plan, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has introduced a new focus on adaptive and sustainable environments, beginning with a key initiative to improve electric grid resilience.
This initiative centers on a comprehensive resource — Powering Through: A Community Toolkit for Electrical Resilience in Iowa.
Developed by Luke Seaberg, community development specialist, and Esther Crompton, communications specialist, in partnership with Anne Kimber, director of ISU’s Electric Power Research Center, the 12-chapter toolkit guides communities through each step of resilience planning.
It includes strategies for building strong planning teams, engaging stakeholders, identifying critical infrastructure, exploring funding options, and implementing local energy solutions.
Innovative approaches such as solar and battery storage, diesel backup systems, and microgrids are discussed as ways to keep essential services running during power outages.
This July, the program began its first pilot with six Iowa communities — Panora, Bloomfield/Davis County School District, Danville, Atlantic, Grinnell, and Greenfield.
Over the next nine months, these communities will work with facilitators to apply the toolkit, receive technical guidance, and develop tailored resilience strategies.
“We’re really excited to bring this work out to communities across Iowa,” said Seaberg. “Our multidisciplinary team brings experience from utilities, solar projects, community development, and emergency management.”
Funding for the project comes from the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Energy Office through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The effort underscores Iowa’s commitment to building stronger, smarter, and more resilient energy systems for the future.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education, Energy