WHO WE ARE
Western Iowa Power Cooperative was formed on April 1, 1997, through the consolidation of South Crawford Rural Electric Cooperative and Monona County Rural Electric Cooperative. Both of these cooperatives have a rich history, having provided electric service to rural areas since 1936. Today, we proudly serve approximately 3,400 members across nine counties in west-central Iowa, covering a service territory of 2,000 square miles and maintaining 2,100 miles of electric distribution lines.
Our Mission:
At Western Iowa Power Cooperative, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for our members by providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric services. We are committed to serving our community with integrity and excellence.
Governance:
WIPCO is governed by a board of directors elected by our membership. This dedicated group meets monthly to set policies and review operations, ensuring that our cooperative remains responsive to the needs of our members and the community.
Power Supply:
We purchase power from Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative (NIPCO), a generation and transmission cooperative located in Le Mars, Iowa. With a reliable electric supplier and a team of experienced employees, WIPCO remains stable and financially sound, ensuring our members receive uninterrupted service.
Seven Cooperative Principles
Cooperatives around the world operate according to the same set of core principles and values, adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance. Cooperatives trace their roots to the first modern cooperative, founded in Rochdale, England, in 1844. These principles are a key reason why America's electric cooperatives operate differently from other electric utilities, prioritizing the needs of their members.
Voluntary and Open Membership
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.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Representatives (directors/trustees) are elected among the membership 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.
Members' Economic Participation
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.
Autonomy and Independence
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.
Education, Training, and Information
Education and training for members, elected representatives (directors/trustees), CEOs, and employees help them effectively contribute to the development of their cooperatives. Communications about the nature and benefits of cooperatives, particularly with the general public and opinion leaders, help boost cooperative understanding.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
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.