Board approves interruptible power agreement; director discloses Alliant employment

The Linn‑Mar board approved an interruptible electric service agreement with Interstate Power & Light Company, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy, after hearing a brief explanation of the program and a disclosure from a director who works for Alliant.

A director who identified their employer as Alliant said they would not recuse because the interruptible program is public facing and available to all customers. That director explained the program mechanics: when the grid operator requests conservation, participating customers reduce power to a pre‑agreed level and, in exchange, receive lower power prices throughout the year. The director said they receive no direct compensation from the district for participation.

"What this does is ... in exchange for that, we get lower power prices year round," the director said, describing the conservation call process and the tradeoff between occasional interruptions and annual savings. A board member added that most interruptions historically occur in summer, but noted the district does not choose which days will be interrupted once enrolled.

The superintendent/staff provided context that participation for the Central Campus sites (the high‑school aquatic center, AEC, Indian Creek and Excelsior) produced approximately $100,000 in savings in 2025. After discussion the board approved the agreement by voice vote.

Board members noted that the district communicates participation to families and staff and that operations staff would manage any required interruptions.