By Seth Boyes,
Correction: A previous version of this article referred to Alliant Energy Director of Operational Resources Randy Bauer as Brad Bauer. The article has been updated to correct the error.
The city of Decorah has asked the Iowa Utilities Commission to prohibit Alliant Energy from conducting community outreach efforts in Decorah without approval from the commission. The petition also seeks clarification on the scope of previous orders the commission issued to the company. The city filed its request a little more than two months before voters will be asked to decide if the city should be authorized to municipalize its electrical service.
Decorah residents will head to the polls on March 4 to voice their opinion on the city’s proposal. A similar question was posed to local voters in 2018 and failed by three votes. The city’s recent petition alleges inaccurate information provided at that time by Interstate Power and Light Company — the division of Alliant Energy which services Iowa — may have affected the outcome of the referendum.
“Now that the question of establishing a municipal electric utility in Decorah is again on the ballot in the community, it is critical that IPL not be allowed to make a fresh round of misrepresentations in advance of the election,” the city’s petition said.
Randy Bauer, director of operational resources with Alliant Energy, said the company feels the comments and assertions in the city’s petition are unfounded, adding Alliant Energy is in full compliance with orders from the Iowa Utilities Commission.
“Rather than spending taxpayer dollars on unrelated filings and matters, we urge the city council to focus on the facts and provide residents with accurate information about the full costs associated with establishing a city-run energy system,” Bauer said.
Full article is available in the January 9 Decorah Leader.
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