Power Comes in Many Forms: Alliant Energy & Decorah Power Respond to MEU Decision

Act now—your donation to local news ensures a brighter, more informed tomorrow. DECORAH — Residents of Decorah have voted to keep their electricity service with Alliant Energy, rejecting a proposal for an opportunity to establish a municipal electric utility. The vote marks the end of a community debate over local control of electricity services. Alliant Energy welcomed the outcome. "On behalf of the entire Alliant Energy team, thank you for choosing to keep Alliant Energy working for you," said Dustin Mohs, Manager of Customer Operations at Alliant Energy. "We appreciate your vote and the trust you've shown in us to continue providing safe, cost-effective, and reliable electric service." Mohs emphasized Alliant Energy's long-standing commitment to the city, stating, "For more than 100 years, we've proudly served Decorah's families and businesses. We look forward to moving ahead together, fostering a partnership that helps make Decorah an even stronger and more vibrant community." Supporters of the municipal electric utility proposal, led by the nonprofit group Decorah Power, expressed disappointment with the result but praised community engagement in the effort. "This effort was always going to be a David and Goliath story," the Decorah Power team said their statement. "Alliant Energy spent over $335,000 of our energy dollars fighting this initiative, outspending Decorah by 29:1. With no surprise, they won." Decorah Power thanked supporters who engaged in the campaign, adding, "We want to thank everyone who considered both sides, took the time to attend our educational events, volunteered, knocked on doors, and donated to our people-powered campaign. This campaign has been by, and for, Decorah from start to finish. Power comes in many forms. Never forget your vote matters," the statement concluded. The vote outcome ensures that Alliant Energy will continue to provide electric service to Decorah residents and businesses for the foreseeable future, as the community looks ahead to future discussions on energy and sustainability. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.