Independence, Iowa – April 30, 2026 — Independence Light & Power Telecommunications (ILPT) has received national recognition for delivering highly reliable electric service in 2025—something Independence residents rely on every day.
The recognition comes from the American Public Power Association (APPA), which represents more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities across the country. APPA tracks outage and restoration performance and compares those results with national data from all types of utilities. When comparing ILPT to other utilities ILPT’s customers experienced a 17-minute outage versus a 169 -minute outage on other electric systems.
“We’re proud of the recognition, but what matters most is serving our community,” said Kevin Sidles, General Manager of ILPT. “Our employees live and work right here in Independence, and they take pride in keeping the lights on for their neighbors.”
ILPT’s reliability is driven by consistent local investment in its electric system. Each year, the utility upgrades equipment and infrastructure to better handle Iowa weather and increasing energy demand.
Planned improvements for 2026 include upgraded system monitoring, enhanced outage management tools, and new equipment to help crews respond quickly and maintain reliable service.
About Independence Light & Power Telecommunications (ILPT)
Independence Light & Power Telecommunications is a community-owned utility serving the residents and businesses of Independence, Iowa. ILPT provides electric and telecommunications services and is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and locally focused service while investing in the infrastructure that supports the community’s future.
