Decorah Votes for Local Power…Again!
On March 4 Decorah residents will once again have the opportunity to decide their energy future during a city-wide election to “Establish a Municipal Electric Utility.” By voting “Yes!” citizens of Decorah take the first step in exploring the opportunity of a municipally owned electric utility (MEU). It’s a historic opportunity to prioritize local issues and make choices that are in the best interest of Decorah and it’s citizens, and the broader world.
MEUs in Iowa are reported to have faster response times in disasters, lower rates, and better reliability than Decorah’s current investor owned utility. As the world enters an era of increased electrification, I’d bet that Decorah’s investment in electric infrastructure now would be a wise investment for the future.
The Winneshiek Energy District is working toward a future where energy dollars circulate locally, citizens have transparency and truth from their energy provider, and utilities are innovative drivers of clean energy progress. Rural spaces have a history of being extracted from for the benefit of big business. Let’s flip this narrative through local ownership so that “return on investment to stakeholders” results in vibrant rural communities.
Are you ready to champion local energy? Stay connected with this issue, learn about public events and/or donate. Together we can transform our energy systems to reflect the people that they serve!