When you flip a switch or turn on the tap, you are seeing the results of a complex infrastructure at work. The ownership of that infrastructure makes a significant difference in your monthly bill and your service quality. As a customer of Indianola Municipal Utilities (IMU), you are part of a Public Power community—a model shared by more than 2,000 towns across the United States that prioritizes people over profits.
The Public Power Advantage: Why Local Matters
Public Ownership
Public power utilities are owned by and operated for the citizens they serve. Unlike private companies, we are accountable directly to our local owners — you. This model ensures that the utility remains a community asset, similar to our local schools and libraries.
Local Control
IMU is governed right here at home by elected or appointed boards, including the Mayor and City Council. This independent local governance allows for greater agility in decision-making and ensures that utility policies reflect the specific values and needs of the Indianola community.
Nonprofit Operations
As a not-for-profit entity, IMU serves only the interests of its customers. There is no conflict between shareholders and customers because they are one and the same. Any excess revenues stay in Indianola to be invested in system improvements, shared with the local government, or returned to customers as lower rates rather than being distributed to outside investors.
Low Cost Structure
Public power utilities often benefit from a more efficient lowcost structure. We have access to tax-exempt financing and typically maintain stronger credit ratings than privately owned utilities. Furthermore, because we are a public entity, we are exempt from federal income taxes, instead supporting local government through direct transfers to the general fund.
Customer Focused
Our singular mission is to deliver the highest level of service and value to our customer-owners for the long term. We focus on high reliability and lower rates while remaining responsive to local priorities, such as environmental concerns or new technologies.
Faster Response &
Community Support
When a summer storm rolls through Iowa, every minute counts. Being based locally increases speed.
- Significantly Faster Response Times:
Locally based crew ready to respond quickly - Quicker Troubleshooting:
Local linemen and technicians that know the grid - Community-Focused Restoration:
Indianola is our only priority during widespread outages - Public Power Commitment:
We work for the Indianola community, not for stockholders
- Supporting Local:
Payments stay local through jobs and supporting goals like the Downtown Square revitalization - Local Dedication:
Proudly serving Indianola as your homegrown utility provider - Reliable and Affordable Service:
Keeping your lights on and costs down through our dedication
to the community
GO GREEN! by switching to electronic billing.
Previous: Sewer Reduction Meters
