Keeping Us All Connected

Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative is a wholesale electric generation and transmission cooperative serving the energy needs of our member cooperatives in western Iowa since 1949. See how our commitment to providing a safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible supply of power and related services requires teamwork and a passion to serve.

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Your cooperative is currently approaching peak energy demand. Special energy saving measures may be necessary.

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The Electric Cooperative Story

Wondering what a rural electric cooperative is? Don't draw your own conclusions...let us draw them for you!

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What We Do

Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) is a generation and transmission electric cooperative supplying wholesale electric power to 7 distribution cooperatives covering 6,500 square miles in western Iowa. These distribution cooperatives supply retail power to over 30,000 members/consumers. NIPCO serves these customers with over 900 miles of 69kV transmission line and 80 distribution substations. Incorporated in 1949 and headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, NIPCO is a Touchstone Energy® electric cooperative and a member of Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

  • Making Electricity

    NIPCO purchases 80% of its power supply from Basin Electric Power Cooperative, (Bismarck, ND) and 20% from Western Area Power Administration (Watertown), SD. Our electric power is generated through energy resources such as wind, water, coal, and natural gas.

  • Delivering Electricity

    With a 99.99% reliability factor, NIPCO's #1 goal is to provide safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible power to our member rural electric distribution cooperatives.

  • Economic Development

    It takes more than electricity to power a community. It takes a strong local economy, too. NIPCO works with our member rural electric cooperatives to promote western Iowa as the place to live, work, and cultivate business.

  • We Are Member Owned

    We Are Member Owned

    NIPCO provides wholesale electric and transmission services to 7 member rural electric distribution cooperatives in western Iowa. Learn more about our members.

  • Image shows older model car traveling a gravel road beside a row of electric power poles.

    The Cooperative Difference

    These poles are pillars that were founded on principle by people with principles. Neighbors banded together, and communities came together to share ownership of the electricity that would advance everyone. That's the Cooperative Difference.

  • Careers

    Careers

    Join the staff of Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative and electrify your career potential.

  • Switch Makes Cents

    Switch Makes Cents

    For more than three decades, NIPCO has committed to the smart management of energy consumption with "Switch Makes Cents", its system-wide load management program.

  • 2021 NIPCO Virtual Annual Meeting Illustrates Why We Are Stronger Together

    As NIPCO gathered (virtually) for its first annual meeting since the pandemic began, we see glimpses of hope and reasons for optimism. NIPCO, our member cooperatives, and our power suppliers reported on why we believe we are STRONGER TOGETHER.

  • Don Applegate Honored with N-Ovation Award

    Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO) recognized Nishnabotna Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) Director, Don Applegate, with the distinguished “N-Ovation Award” during NIPCO’s virtual annual meeting on April 6th.

  • 2021 Grid Emergency: Powering Through; Lessons Learned

    While the February Grid Emergency pushed many electric cooperatives and utilities past its limits, NIPCO’s system proved strong, and much was learned from the experience.