Second Nature™ for Your Business

What is Alliant Energy's Second Nature™ program?

Second Nature is a voluntary program that allows Alliant Energy farm, small business and commercial/industrial electric customers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin to support electricity generated from renewable resources. This displaces electricity generated by other methods, including coal and natural gas.

How does Second Nature help protect the environment?

When just one business supports 800 kilowatt-hours per month [only $16], the environmental impact is equivalent to planting 2.3 acres of trees, or not driving more than 21,400 miles in a car each year!

Calculate your potential environmental impact

By encouraging the growing demand for renewable energy today, we can start to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and nuclear.

The positive impact grows with every participating customer. Second Nature means fewer fossil fuels are consumed, more valuable energy resources are available for future generations, and air quality is improved for all to enjoy.

What impact has Second Nature had so far?

During 2008, Second Nature customers helped generate more than 58 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy. Enrollment grew to more than 15,000 participants.

How will this benefit my business?

Your participation offers a competitive edge that your customers care about. When your business participates in Second Nature, you'll:

• Demonstrate a leadership role in your industry.
• Gain a competitive edge.
• Add value to your brand and generate positive publicity.
• Show a commitment to the environment and consumer health.
• Promote socially responsible business practices.

When your business enrolls in Second Nature, you'll also enjoy the following public relations opportunities:

• Listing in the Second Nature newsletter, sent quarterly to all program participants.
• Use of the Second Nature logo for your company materials.
• Certificate of participation to proudly display in your business.

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What types of renewable energy does Second Nature include?

Second Nature currently contracts with a landfill gas facility and an anaerobic digester in Wisconsin, wind farms in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, and a solar energy initiative in Iowa.

Why does renewable energy cost more?

Facilities that use renewable resources to generate electricity are currently very expensive to build and operate.

Increased customer demand for renewable energy should lead to the development of more renewable resources like wind and solar, as well as lower prices.

Where will my money go?

Approximately 80 percent of your participation fees go to purchase the more expensive renewable energy itself. A portion is earmarked to educate and inform the public about the importance of renewable energy sources.

Any remaining revenue will be reinvested in future development of additional renewable resources or facilities.

What systems are in place to ensure that my contribution is being used wisely?

Is my participation in Second Nature tax-deductible?

No - participants are not technically making a “donation.” They are paying more for a more expensive product - renewable energy.

Why did Alliant Energy create Second Nature?

Alliant Energy launched Second Nature in response to increased customer interest in reducing dependence on fossil fuels like coal and natural gas, as well as a growing public awareness of the benefits of using renewable resources to generate electricity.

By taking this initial step to meet and encourage the growing demand for renewable energy today, we can reduce the reliance on limited resources while improving and preserving the environment for future generations.

Why can't all customers help pay instead of just those who request it?

As a regulated utility, Alliant Energy must provide your electricity at the lowest cost possible. Renewable energy is not the lowest-cost generation. The different in cost between renewable and conventional generation must be distributed fairly to all Alliant Energy customers.

The fair way is to offer electricity generated from renewable resources to people who voluntarily choose to buy it. Those who value low cost above all else can choose not to participate.

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Does Alliant Energy partner with other renewable energy organizations?

Alliant Energy's Second Nature is proud to partner with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-RENEW) and Renew Wisconsin, non-profit organizations promoting the use of renewable energy and energy conservation in Iowa and Wisconsin homes, farms, businesses and schools.

Isn't Alliant Energy required to include renewable energy in its generation?

Yes. However, the Second Nature renewable energy program involves energy that goes above and beyond any mandated by the regulatory agencies.

Any additional renewable energy generation added as a result of this program will also be above and beyond that which is required.

Enroll in Second Nature today!

We've made it as easy as possible to enroll in Second Nature through Your Account.

Simply let us know the monthly dollar amount you'd like to contribute, and we'll start purchasing an equivalent amount of renewable energy.

Brochures and fact sheets:

Download a printer-friendly brochure to learn more about Second Nature and how you can make a world of difference for your business:

For Iowa commercial and industrial customers [PDF]

For Wisconsin commercial and industrial customers [PDF]

For Minnesota commercial and industrial customers [PDF]