MidAmerican Energy has proposed building a $600 million natural gas plant and 800 megawatts of solar energy across six sites in Iowa to meet increasing energy demands. The utility, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, submitted its plan to state regulators, citing a "looming energy supply shortfall."

The proposed natural gas plant, known as the Orient Energy Center, will be located in Adair County and is expected to operate during peak energy demand. It will create approximately 400 construction jobs and five permanent positions with annual salaries ranging from $100,000 to $125,000. The facility is expected to generate $7 million in property taxes.

The solar projects, requiring about 4,800 acres, aim to power 144,000 homes annually. These sites are projected to generate nearly $25 million in property taxes and $270 million in lease payments to landowners throughout their lifespan. Construction could begin as early as next year, with some generation expected in 2027.

MidAmerican Energy emphasized the importance of maintaining diverse energy sources to meet growing demand from sectors such as AI, data centers, and electric vehicles, while also ensuring affordable energy rates.

If approved by the Iowa Utilities Commission, the natural gas plant is expected to be operational by spring 2028, with the regulatory process potentially completed by spring 2026.