Is MidAmerican Energy Co cheaper than Interstate Power and Light Co?

Yes — in 2024 MidAmerican Energy Co customers averaged 11.01 cents/kWh versus 17.90 for Interstate Power and Light Co (EIA-861). MidAmerican Energy Co was cheaper by 6.89 cents, about $744 per year at 10,800 kWh.

Can I switch from Interstate Power and Light Co to MidAmerican Energy Co?

No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Iowa has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.

Why is Interstate Power and Light Co more expensive than MidAmerican Energy Co?

EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Interstate Power and Light and MidAmerican Energy territory all feed the 6.89-cent gap.

MidAmerican Energy Co vs Interstate Power and Light Co: Which Is Cheaper? (Iowa, 2024)

MidAmerican Energy Co customers paid less: an average 11.01¢/kWh in 2024 versus 17.90¢/kWh at Interstate Power and Light Co (EIA-861) — a gap of 6.89¢/kWh, worth about $744 per year at typical usage (10,800 kWh/yr). Their territories meet in 40 IA counties (Adair, Adams, Black Hawk, …). You cannot switch wires companies — the territory is set by your address.

Side by side (IA, EIA-861)

MidAmerican Energy Co vs Interstate Power and Light Co — residential averages from federal EIA-861 filings
Metric	MidAmerican Energy Co	Interstate Power and Light Co
2024 average price, ¢/kWh	11.01	17.90
2023 average price, ¢/kWh	11.00	17.86
Annual cost at 10,800 kWh, $/yr	$1,189	$1,934
Residential customers (2024)	632,436	417,153
Ownership	Investor-owned	Investor-owned
Counties served in IA	55	84

Average price = residential revenue ÷ sales (bundled service): the all-in price customers actually paid, including supply, delivery and riders. Profiles: MidAmerican Energy Co · Interstate Power and Light Co · Iowa overview.

Where the territories meet

Both utilities file EIA-861 service territory in: Adair · Adams · Black Hawk · Bremer · Buchanan · Buena Vista · Butler · Carroll · Cass · Cerro Gordo · Cherokee · Chickasaw · Clinton · Dallas · Floyd · Franklin · Hamilton · Hardin · Jasper · Johnson · Kossuth · Lyon · Madison · Mahaska · Marion · Monroe · Montgomery · Muscatine · O'Brien · Palo Alto · Pocahontas · Polk · Poweshiek · Scott · Sioux · Taylor · Warren · Washington · Webster · Wright counties (IA, 2024).

Adjoining or overlapping territory in a county does not mean households there can pick between the two — service maps are parcel-level and fixed. The county overlap mainly matters when choosing where to live or comparing town-level costs.

Can you actually choose between them?

No — not for delivery. Distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; MidAmerican Energy Co and Interstate Power and Light Co do not compete for the same meters. Iowa is a regulated retail market — there is no residential supplier shopping; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings (iub.iowa.gov). The price gap above mainly matters when choosing where to live, comparing towns, or benchmarking your bill.

Questions people ask

Is MidAmerican Energy Co cheaper than Interstate Power and Light Co?: Yes — in 2024 MidAmerican Energy Co customers averaged 11.01 cents/kWh versus 17.90 for Interstate Power and Light Co (EIA-861). MidAmerican Energy Co was cheaper by 6.89 cents, about $744 per year at 10,800 kWh.
Can I switch from Interstate Power and Light Co to MidAmerican Energy Co?: No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Iowa has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.
Why is Interstate Power and Light Co more expensive than MidAmerican Energy Co?: EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Interstate Power and Light and MidAmerican Energy territory all feed the 6.89-cent gap.

About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861) and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff, usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr (US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.