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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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.

  • One of the Lucky Ones, Madsen Retires After 41 Years on the Line

    With 41 years under his lineman's belt, Madsen is grateful to retire safely from an industry that takes great pride in dedicating resources to education, equipment, and processes that ensure the health and safety of its workers.

  • NIPCO Celebrates 2019 Service Anniversaries

    NIPCO Directors and employees are passionate about their commitment to NIPCO’s “Members FIRST” promise and contribute in many ways to NIPCO’s mission. Six NIPCO employees and one Director celebrated service anniversaries in 2019. Find out who were honored for their years of service.

  • Sherrill: Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick

    After 33 years as NIPCO's Sr. Administrative Assistant, Melody Sherrill's keen eye and positive spirit will be missed around the halls of NIPCO. As for the future of the famed Board Room Stick? One can only guess.

  • NIPCO Announces 2020 Scholarship Awards

    Four students have received scholarships from NIPCO and Basin Electric Power Cooperative for the 2020/2021 academic year. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, student activity, volunteerism, and character.