If you’ve shot even the slightest glance at your Tipmont edition of Indiana Connection in the last couple of years, you’ve seen how Tipmont is fighting for you to enjoy a more fair, flexible energy future.
I’m pleased to report a positive step forward in that process, which I’ll outline below. But for newer members or those who’d like a refresher, here’s why we’re fighting for you.
Tipmont currently purchases the power we distribute to you from Wabash Valley Power Alliance, an Indianapolis generation and transmission utility. In 2018, Wabash Valley proposed a new 40-year contract, with terms that essentially rendered it never-ending and eliminated access to energy opportunities that meet your needs.
Your board of directors voted to reject this contract, and Tipmont also requested that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) assess the fairness and validity of the contract. In January 2022, FERC formally rejected the contract. In August 2022, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit affirmed that rejection.
This means Wabash Valley must propose a new contract to serve all its member co-ops.
So, what’s next? We’re fighting for increased influence in the process of structuring a new Wabash Valley contract. Moving forward, we’ll continue to share more about the results of this process as well as potential alternative options. In the meantime, we’re encouraged to see regulators agree with Tipmont’s positions as we continue fighting for you — the thousands of families, farms, and businesses we proudly serve. Learn more at fightingforyou.tipmont.org.
BRINGING FIBER INTERNET TO RURAL TIPPECANOE COUNTY
On the fiber internet side, you may have heard about our new partnership with Tippecanoe County. Earlier this year, the Tippecanoe County Commissioners and County Council chose Tipmont Wintek to build fiber service to nearly 2,000 rural addresses in the county by 2025. We finalized our contract with the county last month and expect to begin that build in early 2023.
Those of you still waiting for Wintek internet may wonder: “Will this delay service to my home as a Tipmont member?” The answer is no.
By the time we acquire materials and finish construction across Tippecanoe County, we will have, for all intents and purposes, finished the build for everyone in our electric service area.
Will it add cost to our build for members? That answer is also no. The Tippecanoe County building is fully funded by a commissioners’ grant.
So, for those in Tippecanoe County with neighbors just outside our electric territory who are envious of Wintek internet, be sure to share the good news with them. To learn more about this project, visit tcfiber.wintek.com.
