Iowa is first state to generate more than 1/3 of electricity from wind; prices fell 2/3 in last 6 years

Iowa is the first state to generate more than a third of its electricity from wind. According to a report from The American Wind Energy Association, "Iowa is deriving more than 35 percent of its electricity from wind energy, an increase from statistics made public earlier this year," The Associated Press reports. The figure is based on a 12-month rolling average through the end of August 2016, as compiled by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Iowa is ranked third nationally in the number of electricity-producing wind turbines, with just over 3,700, AP reports. Iowa also has the seventh lowest electricity prices in the country, and its wind energy supports 7,000 jobs.

Data through September 2016. For an interactive map click here. (AWEA graphic)

Iowa isn't the only state that has gained momentum; utilities and ratepayers across the country have increased their investment in wind energy. Thanks to technological innovation, the price consumers pay for wind power fell two thirds in six years, the wind-energy group said. According to the Wind Energy Foundation, wind turbines generate about 4 percent of U.S. electricity.