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Lineman 360 virtual reality headset - Meta Quest2 (1 of 2)

Lineman 360 lineman bucket #1 - Lineman360 and NIPCO logo'd.

Member engagement with NIPCO's Ford Mustang Mach-E

Want to pay less for home insurance? These energy-efficient upgrades just might have you covered. When you think of energy-efficient home upgrades, the first benefit that typically comes to mind is lower utility bills. But did you know those same upgrades can potentially help you save on your home insurance, too? Insurance companies increasingly view energy-efficient homes as lower-risk properties worth rewarding with better rates. Improvements that may qualify Energy-efficient improvements can make your home safer and better protected against common hazards such as fire, water leaks, and extreme weather. Understanding which upgrades might earn you a discount can help you make smarter choices that benefit both your wallet and your home. Impact-resistant roofing:  This type of roofing reflects more sunlight, decreasing cooling costs in summer while providing superior protection during severe weather. Its durability helps it withstand hail, high winds, and flying debris that would damage conventional roofs. Smart home devices:  Smart thermostats optimize heating and cooling cycles, reducing energy consumption and preventing strain on the system. Water leak detectors can identify plumbing issues before they cause catastrophic damage, while smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors provide faster alerts during emergencies. Modern HVAC systems:  High-efficiency HVAC systems or heat pumps reduce the risk of breakdowns, electrical fires, and even water leaks from condensation. Smart-enabled systems also monitor performance and alert you to issues early. Quality insulation and energy-efficient windows:  These features maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing structural stress from extreme weather fluctuations. In colder regions, energy-efficient windows can protect against frozen pipes -- one of the most common and costly insurance claims in winter. Updated electrical system:  Outdated wiring is a common cause of house fires and often struggles to efficiently support today’s appliance loads. Replacing outdated panels and wiring lowers your risk profile, especially when combined with surge protection or LED lighting. Many insurers recognize this as a proactive step that minimizes the likelihood of electrical-related claims. Before you get started Prior to revamping your home, it’s a good idea to talk to your insurance provider. Not all companies offer discounts for energy-efficient features, and requirements can vary. Keep detailed records of any improvements you make, and consider getting a home energy audit to verify and document your home’s upgrades. Make it a habit to check in with your insurer regularly, especially after any big changes. And don’t be afraid to shop around — another provider could offer better discounts. With the right improvements and a little research, you might find yourself saving in more ways than one.

Lineworker Appreciation Day is Monday, April 13, 2026. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave men and women who make that possible every single day—our lineworkers. When storms impact our communities and outages occur, many people experience the inconvenience, but our lineworkers see a call to action. Our crews are always ready when it matters most—leaving family dinners, heading into the night, and working in challenging conditions to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. That readiness is not accidental. It comes from rigorous training, deep experience, and a shared commitment to serving others. What makes lineworkers especially remarkable is that they aren’t just restoring power to a system—they’re restoring power to their own communities. They live here. They raise their families here. They understand that electricity is more than a convenience; it’s essential to daily life; to local businesses; to schools, farms, and emergency services. Powering the places we call home is personal to lineworkers. Electric cooperatives were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our lineworkers embody that spirit every day. They are the first to respond and the last to leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. At times, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory through a process known as mutual aid. During major outage events, crews stand ready to assist neighboring co-ops––sometimes close to home, and sometimes across state lines––to help restore power. This spirit of mutual aid strengthens all cooperatives and ultimately benefits the members we serve. We understand any time the lights go out can be frustrating, bringing everyday life to a halt. We are grateful to our members for your patience and encouragement during these times. Linework is demanding; physical; and at times, it can be dangerous. Our crews approach each job with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their craft and in the trust our members place in them. On April 13, 2026, we will recognize Lineworker Appreciation Day, but one day is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers (as well as the many cooperative employees who work hard in the field and in the office) for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our service to our members.

This month, prep wisely with RV electrical safety tips. As the calendar turns, so does the season. Use April Fool’s Day as a good reminder that, as warmer weather approaches and camping activities go along with it, safety must be a priority. Don’t be an April Fool….use this month to prep wisely with some electrical safety tips from Safe Electricity  to take along on your next camping trip. When an RV frame is electrically charged, it is often referred to as “hot skin.” Improper wiring or connections, lack of grounding, reversed polarity, and loose or worn outlets are just some of the potential causes. If a hot skin hazard exists, simply opening the door or coming into contact with the hitch can cause shock or electrocution. Safety starts even before you head out on the road with your RV To help prevent “hot skin,”  your RV’s electrical system needs to be regularly tested and maintained. A professional electrician can help you make sure the wiring in your RV is safe. Perform a visual inspection of cords, plugs, and outlets.  If cords are cracked or frayed, or outlets and plugs are broken or discolored, do not use them. Have them replaced or repaired. Fire extinguishers, as well as permanently installed carbon monoxide and fire detectors, should also be on the checklist of safety precautions before traveling. Always use electrical cords rated for the use they will get.  Make sure the power demand of the appliances that will be used does not exceed the cord’s rating. To plug your RV into a campground power pedestal, you will need a heavy-duty, four-wire cord with a grounding wire -- not an extension cord. Whether you are powering your RV with a generator or a campground hookup, you need to know the amperage your RV draws and the available amperage.  If you try to draw more amperage than is available, you can cause serious damage to the electrical source and your RV. You could even start a fire. Also, make sure you know where your electrical panel and switches are located. If you use a generator, know the rules of the campground.  Some do not allow generators, and some allow them only during certain hours. Also, be aware of where the generator exhaust is blowing. Always leave a roof vent open when you are operating a generator. Turn your generator on and keep it running before you turn on appliances. Never sleep with the generator on. Before using a campground hookup, do a visual inspection of the area. If a campground hookup appears to be damaged, put safety first and request another spot. Making the campground aware of the damage will also help future campers at that site. With proper preparation, the great outdoors and modern conveniences can be enjoyed at the same time. No foolin’!  For more information on electrical safety, visit  SafeElectricity.org .

NIPCO will conduct its 2026 annual meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at the Stoney Creek Hotel Rivers Bend Conference Center in Sioux City, Iowa. NIPCO staff and directors will report on 2025 operations, provide an overview of the cooperative's financials, and offer NIPCO's vision to power western Iowa into the future. 2026 NIPCO Annual Meeting Mark your calendars for Tuesday, April 7, 2026 , as NIPCO hosts its annual meeting at the Stoney Creek Hotel Rivers Bend Conference Center in Sioux City, Iowa . As we embark on our 77th year, this event is more than a tradition—it’s a chance to connect, reflect, and look ahead together as we “Weather Change” in our industry. Throughout 2025, NIPCO has weathered a dynamic operations landscape—responding to storms and unpredictable weather events, adapting to shifting energy demands, and investing in infrastructure upgrades designed to withstand whatever conditions come our way. NIPCO has also advocated for policies that support reliable, affordable power, ensuring our cooperative family and the systems that support us remain resilient no matter what the forecast brings. Our commitment to serving our seven Class A Members remains steadfast as we navigate change and power western Iowa, rain or shine. At this year’s meeting, NIPCO will recap 2025 operations, share financial highlights, and outline our vision for how NIPCO is “Weathering Change”—preparing for the storms ahead while celebrating the clear skies we’ve achieved together. A continental breakfast will be served from 8–9 AM, followed by the business meeting and lunch. More information will be shared as the meeting approaches. To register or learn more, visit our annual meeting page or call our office at 712-546-4141. More details to be added as speakers and plans are finalized. Register Here Presenters Chris Lawrence Executive Director Mid-West Electric Consumers Association Read More Todd Brickhouse Chief Executive Officer & General Manager Basin Electric Power Cooperative Read More Valerie Weigel Senior Vice President of Energy Markets and Dakota Coal Company Operations Basin Electric Power Cooperative Read More annual MEETING AGENDA 8:00-9:00 am Registration Check-in/Continental Breakfast 9:00 am Business Meeting Mid-West Electric Consumers Association Report Chris Lawrence - Executive Director Basin Electric Power Cooperative Report Todd Brickhouse - Chief Executive Officer and General Manager 10:45 am Break 11:00 am Basin Electric Power Cooperative Report Valerie Weigel - Senior Vice President of energy Markets and Dakota Coal Company Operations NIPCO Report Matt Washburn - Executive Vice President and General Manager 12:15 pm Lunch, Recognitions, Announcements

"Charging Forward" was this year's theme for NIPCO's 2022 Annual Meeting as 2021 operations provided a springboard for NIPCO’s future of service.The NIPCO staff and directors undertook a strategic planning deep dive, continued its efforts to upgrade and replace infrastructure that is fifty years old or more, launched its innovative battery storage project, and introduced an electric vehicle into its transportation fleet. 2022 NIPCO Annual Meeting NIPCO's 2022 Annual Meeting was conducted on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at the Stoney Creek Hotel Rivers Bend Conference Center in Sioux City, Iowa . "Charging Forward" was this year's theme for NIPCO's 2022 Annual Meeting as 2021 operations provided a springboard for NIPCO’s future of service. With a vision for shaping service that will meet the needs of the next generation of cooperative membership, the NIPCO staff and directors undertook a strategic planning deep dive, continued its efforts to upgrade and replace infrastructure that is fifty years old or more, launched its innovative battery storage project, and introduced an electric vehicle into its transportation fleet. Presenters Todd Telez CEO & General Manager Basin Electric Cooperative Update on operations at Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Jim Horan Executive Director Mid-West Electric Consumers Association Mission and purpose of the organization as it advocates for and supports consumers of hydropower within the Missouri River basin. Elaine Johns President & CEO Enervision, Inc. Insight into blockchain technology and cryptocurrency and its impacts on utilities across the US. NIPCO Board of Director President Louis Reed's 2022 Address to Membership NIPCO is CHARGING FORWARD. Not just the theme for NIPCO's 2022 Annual Meeting, but also a reflection of NIPCO's innovation and vision as we prepare for the next generation of service to our member cooperatives, as they power lives and empower the communities of western Iowa. Louis Reed, Director Representative from Western Iowa Power Cooperative, and President of the NIPCO Board of Directors speaks on the growth and opportunity created in 2021 by the NIPCO staff and directors who, despite a year full of challenges, never lost sight of ongoing operations that serve members through reliable power supply and delivery while keeping rates stable. 2021 Annual Report Download Results of the NIPCO Director Reorganizational Meeting April 5, 2022 President - Louis C. Reed (Western Iowa Power Cooperative) Vice President - Ronald C. Steinhoff (Woodbury County Rural Electric Cooperative) Treasurer - Thomas J. Wagner (North West Rural Electric Cooperative) Secretary - Trent A. Will (Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative) Director - Dr. James R. Else, D.V.M. (WIMECA - Western Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association) Director - Bryan D. Greve (Nishnabotna Valley Rural Electric Cooperative) Director - A. James Sharp (Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative) 2022 NIPCO Annual Meeting Videos Open and Voluntary Membership: Jasmine Salgado (WIPCO), Democratic Member Control: Trent Will (Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative), Members' Economic Participation: Lyle Korver (North West REC), Autonomy and Independence: Matt Washburn (NIPCO), Education, Training, and Information: Angela Catton (NIPCO), Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Steve Harringa (NIPCO), Concern for Community: Jeremy Caroll (WIMECA - Manning Municipal Utilities) 2022 NIPCO Annual Meeting All Categories Play Video Play Video 02:59 NipcoVision 7 Cooperative Principles: Members' Economic Participation and Autonomy & Independence Members contribute money to the co-op to make sure it runs smoothly now AND in the future. At electric cooperatives, this happens through paying energy bills. Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital remains the common property of the cooperative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing the cooperative; setting up reserves; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership. Members create co-ops to provide a service that is needed. Co-ops are independent on their own, which benefits the members. Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organizations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control, as well as their unique identity. Play Video Play Video 06:18 NipcoVision 7 Cooperative Principles: Ed., Training, & Info., Cooperation Among Co-ops, & Concern for Community Education, Training, and Information: Cooperatives focus on education to ensure that employees and members have the training and information they need to make the co-op successful. Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors), CEOs and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding. Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Cooperatives share and learn from other co-ops. They help each other out when needed because co-ops want other co-ops to be successful. By working together through local, national, regional, and international structures, cooperatives improve services, bolster local economies and deal more effectively with social and community needs. Concern for Community: Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership. All co-ops work for the greater good of the local communities in which they serve. Co-ops give back to their communities to make sure they thrive and grow. Play Video Play Video 02:38 NipcoVision 7 Cooperative Principles: Open & Voluntary Membership and Democratic Member Control Cooperative membership is open to everyone who can use the co-op's services. Membership in a cooperative is open to all people who can reasonably use its services and stand willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic circumstances. Members get to make decisions about the cooperative because co-ops are created for the members, by the members. Every member has an equal voice and vote when it comes to cooperative governance. Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors) are elected among members and are accountable to them. In primary cooperatives, members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote); cooperatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner. Congratulations to NIPCO's 2022 N-Ovation Award Winners! NIPCO's Board of Directors awarded two N-Ovation Awards (formerly known as the "N-Award") in 2022. The award symbolizes the recipient's time advancing the electric cooperative industry, NIPCO's G&T family, and NIPCO's operations, corporate mission, vision, and values. For 47 years, this honor has been bestowed to worth individuals for their outstanding contributions to NIPCO. Candidates are nominated and selected annually by the NIPCO Board of Directors. 2022 Award Winners

With a vision for shaping service that will meet the needs of the next generation of cooperative membership, the NIPCO staff and directors undertook a strategic plannning deep dive, continuted to upgrade & replace infrastructure that is fifty years old or more, launched its innovative battery storage project, and introduced an electric vehicle into its transportation fleet. Check out Board President Louis Reed's Presidential Address and employees of NIPCO explain how they are Wired to Serve! 2023 NIPCO Annual Meeting NIPCO's 2023 Annual Meeting was conducted on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Stoney Creek Hotel Rivers Bend Conference Center in Sioux City, Iowa . "Wired to Serve" was this year's theme for NIPCO's 2023 Annual Meeting as 2022 operations provided a springboard for NIPCO’s future of service. With a vision for shaping service that will meet the needs of the next generation of cooperative membership, the NIPCO staff and directors undertook a strategic planning deep dive, continued its efforts to upgrade and replace infrastructure that is fifty years old or more, launched its innovative battery storage project, and introduced an electric vehicle into its transportation fleet. Presenters Andy Buntrock Vice President of Strategic Planning and Communications Basin Electric Power Cooperative Update on operations at Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Tyler Hamman Vice President of Governmental Relations Basin Electric Power Cooperative Update of governmental relations from Basin Electric Power Cooperative. CJ Brown Director of System Operations Southwest Power Pool Update of Southwest Power Pool operations. NIPCO Board of Director President Louis Reed's 2023 Address to Membership NIPCO is Wired to Serve. Reliability of power supply, the resiliency of its infrastructure, and ensuring generation resources are available to meet electric demand are just a few ways NIPCO has been Wired to Serve for nearly 75 years. It's not just electric wire. It's how we connect. The NIPCO membership is at the center of everything it does. Together, we power and empower western Iowa in ways that build brighter futures and re-energize the rural landscape. NIPCO Board of Directors President Louis Reed addresses the membership at the 2023 NIPCO Annual Meeting held on April 11, 2023. 2022 Annual Report Download Results of the NIPCO Director Reorganizational Meeting April 11, 2023 President - Louis C. Reed (Western Iowa Power Cooperative) Vice President - Ronald C. Steinhoff (Woodbury County Rural Electric Cooperative) Treasurer - Thomas J. Wagner (North West Rural Electric Cooperative) Secretary - Trent A. Will (Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative) Director - Dr. James R. Else, D.V.M. (WIMECA - Western Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association) Director - Bryan D. Greve (Nishnabotna Valley Rural Electric Cooperative) Director - A. James Sharp (Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative) 2023 NIPCO Annual Meeting Videos System Project Engineer, Andrew Paulsen – Relief Control Operator, Jason Stock Communication Specialist, Rachel Rogers – Substation Electrician, Nate Pauling Journeyman Lineman, Brandon Brotherton – Chief Information Officer, Steve Spieler 2023 NIPCO Annual Meeting All Categories Play Video Play Video 04:21 NipcoVision How is NIPCO Wired to Serve? Brandon Brotherton & Steve Spieler NIPCO employees explain how their positions and roles within NIPCO contribute to connecting with our members. Journeyman LIneman, Brandon Brotherton, and Chief Information Officer, Steve Spieler, offer perspective on how they are Wired to Serve! Play Video Play Video 03:21 NipcoVision How is NIPCO Wired to Serve? Rachel Rogers & Nate Pauling NIPCO employees explain how their positions and roles within NIPCO contribute to connecting with our members. Communications Specialist, Rachel Rogers, and Substation Electrician, Nate Pauling, offer perspective on how they are Wired to Serve! Play Video Play Video 02:46 NipcoVision How is NIPCO Wired to Serve? Andrew Paulsen & Jason Stock NIPCO employees explain how their positions and roles within NIPCO contribute to connecting with our members. System Project Engineer, Andrew Paulsen, and Relief Control Operator, Jason Stock offer perspectives on how they are Wired to Serve! Out of gallery