Electric Utility 
 
Citizens of Alta receive electricity from the Alta Municipal Electric Utility. The electric utility currently serves 1059 electric meters, which consist of both residential and commercial customers. The utility purchases its power from Western Area Power Administration (hydro power) and Northwest Iowa Municipal Electric Cooperative Association. 
 
The utility owns and operates a power plant located in Alta that consists of two diesel generators. The latest addition to the plant came in 1990 when a larger diesel generator was installed. The power plant provides backup emergency power in emergency situations. 
 
The Board of Trustees of the electric utility continues to plan for the future while protecting the interest of the citizens. In 2002 the Board of Trustees made the decision to purchase an interest in a coal fired generating plant. This plant was put into commercial service in June of 2007. As a joint owner, the utility has guaranteed Alta a reasonably priced power source for future generations. The utility has also entered into an agreement to purchase renewable power from wind generation. Alta residents will be able to assist in saving the environment by purchasing green power in the future. 
 
Reliability has always been a main concern of the utility. Therefore, improvements consist not only of power supplies, but also improvements to the distribution system. A street light replacement project is ongoing. Streetlights are being switched to high-pressure sodium, which are substantially more energy efficient. Projects continue on the distribution system to replace aerial lines with underground lines. State of the art electric meters are replacing older meters. 
 
Alta Municipal Utilities values its customers and is proud of the quality of life it adds to Alta with its reasonably priced, reliable power. Many improvements to the community are a result of revenue and/or manpower supplied by the utilities. The lighting at the Sports Complex and tennis courts was provided and installed by the utilities. Donations have been made for fire equipment, fire station, city hall, community center, shower house, trees forever program, and many other worthwhile community projects. The utility is proud of its accomplishments and of the people we serve. We look forward to providing affordable power and good service for years to come

 
Billing Demand -- The maximum 15 minute demand in the month, but not less than 50% of the highest billing demand in the preceding 11 months. 
 
Power Factor Adjustment: If the customer's average monthly power factor falls below 90%, leading or lagging, the utility may adjust the metered demand by the ratio of 90% to the measured average monthly power factor in percent. 
 
All charges are net. If payment is not received by the 15th day of the month following the billing date, a late payment charge of $10.00 plus 1.5% of the balance due will apply. If the 15th of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Holiday, the due date will be the next working day. 
 
- 0% State tax to be added to residential electric service.

- 6% State tax to be added to non-residential electric service. 
- 1% Local option tax to be added to electric service.