LA CROSSE, WI— Dairyland Power Cooperative is expanding its service footprint by serving two additional electric cooperatives with safe, reliable and cost-effective power. Oconto Electric Cooperative (Oconto Falls, Wis.) and Norris Electric Cooperative (Newton, Ill.) have selected Dairyland as the wholesale power supply provider for their respective memberships.
The Boards of Directors for both Oconto and Norris reached independent decisions to begin utilizing Dairyland as their wholesale power supply provider beginning June 1, 2026. Through this expansion, Dairyland will realize an increase in the load it serves its distribution cooperative, municipal members and power supply customers by over 100 megawatts (MW).
As their provider, Dairyland will provide long-term, full requirements service to meet the power needs of Norris and Oconto’s cooperative memberships. Dairyland will also provide Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Market Participant Services to both entities, supporting sustainability and affordability for the cooperative membership.
“Dairyland is honored to be selected by both electric cooperative utilities,” said Dairyland President & CEO Brent Ridge. “As a critical services provider, we are dedicated to bringing power, value and innovation to the communities we serve. We look forward to collaborating with Oconto and Norris for the benefit of the cooperative membership.”
Founded in 1938, Norris Electric Cooperative serves over 20,000 members across 8 counties in Illinois. Headquartered in Newton, Ill., Norris continues to demonstrate the growing need for dependable power in rural areas and the vital role electric cooperatives play in strengthening local communities. For more information, visit www.norriselectric.com.
“We are pleased to partner with Dairyland Power Cooperative to further our mission of providing reliable, affordable energy to our members,” said Norris General Manager Tamara Phillips. “This collaboration allows us to remain responsive to the evolving needs of our communities while staying true to the cooperative principle of cooperation among cooperatives. By working together, we strengthen the cooperative movement and enhance the services we offer. This partnership also supports our continued investment in the future of Norris Electric, ensuring long-term sustainability and the well-being of the families we serve.”
Founded in 1937, Oconto Electric Cooperative serves over 10,000 members in rural northeastern Wisconsin, with the top priority of providing safe and reliable electricity at reasonable rates. Oconto and its employees are deeply invested in the communities they serve. Through donations, programs and the active involvement of its employees, Oconto supports local schools, organizations and agencies.
“We look forward to purchasing our wholesale power from Dairyland,” said Oconto CEO Ryan Miller. “As a fellow cooperative, they share Oconto’s values and commitment to delivering reliable electricity to our member-owners.”
For more information, contact: Katie Thomson at (608) 787-1323
About Dairyland Power Cooperative: Headquartered in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland currently provides the wholesale electrical requirements for 24 distribution cooperatives and 27 municipal utilities. These cooperatives and municipals, in turn, supply the energy needs of approximately 700,000 people in the four-state service area. Dairyland delivers electricity via 3,312 miles of transmission lines and 233 substations located throughout the system’s 44,500 square mile service area. Visit www.DairylandPower.com.