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.

  • Community Support

    Community Support

    As a Touchstone Energy Cooperative and Generation and Transmission cooperative, NIPCO has a strong commitment to the communities in western Iowa and those we serve. Because it isn't just about providing the power to benefit our members, it's about empowering them to do more.

  • 2017 Lignite Energy Council Teacher Seminar

    The Annual Lignite Energy Council Teacher Seminar will be held June 12th - 15th, 2017, in Bismarck, North Dakota. Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming teachers, from all grade levels, are encouraged to apply. The cost of the seminar and associated travel are paid by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. This year's seminar is entitled, "Energy Economics, and Environment".

  • 2017 Energy Trail Tour

    Each summer, NIPCO and its member distribution cooperatives send over 100 member owners to experience, first-hand, the process of electric generation and to learn how that energy is delivered to their home, farm, or business.

  • NIPCO Network News Winter 2017 Edition

    NIPCO’s winter 2017 edition of the NIPCO Network News includes a special feature on the heroic acts of our outside crew, as they go above and beyond the call of duty. Other topics include NIPCO and our members' efforts to launch all new websites, employee service anniversaries, a tribute to Rick Harpenau, NIPCO Annual Meeting information and more!