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Strong communities start with trustworthy reporting—give to local news now! Dear Editor, This letter is to share my perspective as a solar power customer with Alliant and the vote on March 4. Based upon the proposed and actual rate increases from the past ten years, I calculated what my electrical rates could look like for the next 25 years, and decided those potential costs could be partially offset through solar generation. Our all-electric house necessitates net metering (not off-grid, no battery bank), meaning we sell what we generate at a reduced rate to Alliant and then purchase electricity that we use from Alliant. Throughout the solar install process, I was very pleased with Alliant's responsiveness to questions and permitting, as well as inspections and final connection. However, I'm concerned about rate increases. This by no means conveys I am anti-Alliant. I have a family to raise, a mortgage to pay, groceries to buy, and a car to repair, all of which I get a say and choice in. Reliance on electrical usage is non-negotiable, we are locked into Alliant as the sole provider, and monopolies are antithetical to free-market economies. I simply want more information to know if other options exist. I'm curious: a. Are there other providers who could give lower rates while also maintaining good service? b. What are the "true numbers" and reasons for continuous rate hikes from Alliant? I recognize multiple utility infrastructures would be illogical to implement from competing utility providers, thereby necessitating the limited monopoly offered by Iowa Utility Board to Alliant Energy. However, isn't it good practice to periodically review whether or not that monopoly is in fact best serving its customers? Voting "yes" on March 4 gives Decorah access to information that can be used to determine and compare if we are receiving best electrical rates and service. Voting "no" means we will never know, and won't have an option. I want to have a choice. I want to explore. I want to learn. Informed consumers are wise community members. I look to make informed decisions. I encourage you to join me in voting "yes" March 4th. Neal Bentley Decorah, Iowa Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.

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Letter to the Editor - Perspective as a Solar Customer