The Decorah Power Initiative

DRC Sponsor: Phil Iversen

Decorah Power is a new, local, active non-profit organization comprised of area residents formed to investigate the feasibility of the City of Decorah becoming its own municipal electrical utility (MEU). There are already 136 MEUs in Iowa, which on average provide rates competitive with or more affordable than those offered by local commercial utility providers. City ownership of an MEU has the potential to provide a competitive edge for a community when it comes to attracting new businesses and jobs. An MEU can also provide the community flexibility in developing renewable energy projects such as consumer-owned solar farms and shared renewable energy sources. In early March of this year, Decorah Power presented their findings and recommendations to the Decorah City Council's Utility Committee and received broad support for initiation of a feasibility study. Decorah Power Board Members Larry Grimstad (President), Tim Wagner, (Vice President), Andy Johnson (Treasurer), and Joel Zook (Secretary) will be on hand to offer additional insights into the Decorah Power Initiative and the anticipated implementation milestones going forward.