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Alliant Energy says it does not want to attend an informal meeting with the Iowa Utilities Board, City of Decorah and the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate to discuss the issues involved in the City of Decorah's request for information about the operations of Alliant Energy. The meeting was proposed by the Iowa Utilities Board staff. But a statement by Alliant released Friday afternoon says, "This request is outside the confines of the informal complaint process; it's also inconsistent with Iowa law, which requires a vote before the City can bring a petition to the IUB." Earlier this week, the City of Decorah's Municipal Energy Utility Task Force had recommended that the Decorah City Council hire an attorney to represent the city at the proposed informal meeting. The issue will still be discussed Monday night by the city council--but there might not be a meeting for city representatives to attend. Here is the complete text of the statement from Alliant Energy: "We appreciate the IUB's communication and interest in coordinating a meeting to discuss the City of Decorah's request to have the IUB compel Alliant Energy to create data intended to convince voters to authorize the City to use eminent domain to condemn and take Alliant Energy's electric system. On December 22, 2021, Alliant Energy provided a detailed response to the City of Decorah noting our continued partnership on a host of initiatives to ensure delivery of the energy and services the City needs. On behalf of all Alliant Energy customers, we take pride in providing the services needed – safely and reliably, with an eye on affordability. This request is outside the confines of the informal complaint process; it's also inconsistent with Iowa law, which requires a vote before the City can bring a petition to the IUB. Under Iowa Code § 476.23(1) the IUB's role in a municipal condemnation proceeding begins once a petition is filed, and the IUB must then determine whether the petition is in the public interest and a reasonable price for the facilities to be condemned. The process of making such determinations requires the legal rigor and rights afforded to the parties under Iowa law. Therefore, Alliant Energy has respectfully declined the meeting request. We will continue to work with the city and to proudly deliver the services our customers count on."

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Breaking news: Alliant Energy "has respectfully declined" the Iowa Utilities Board's request for a meeting with the City of Decorah, IUB and Office of Consumer Advocate.