October 07, 2025
The State of WPPI Energy in 2025
From the CEO
As the wholesale power supplier for 51 locally owned, not-for-profit utilities, WPPI Energy remains focused on our core mission: providing reliable, affordable, and responsible electricity; delivering forward-thinking services; and advocating for effective energy policies.
Our member utilities are the heart of this effort. Together, we share a commitment to ensuring that the homes, businesses, and communities we serve continue to thrive.
Powering a Reliable Future
Electric demand is growing, and the regional energy market is changing quickly. Through all of it, WPPI’s diverse portfolio of generating resources helps keep electricity reliable and costs stable.
We supply power from a balanced mix of nuclear, coal, natural gas, wind, and solar energy. Some resources we own directly; others come through long-term contracts or market purchases. This balance—especially the dependability of natural gas generation when renewable output dips—ensures our member communities have the power they need, whenever they need it.
A strong planning approach and diversified resources are key to meeting our members’ needs now and well into the future.
Keeping Costs Stable
Affordability is one of WPPI’s greatest strengths. The communities served by our members consistently enjoy some of the lowest electric costs in the region. Sharing resources through joint action makes this possible.
WPPI’s investments in transmission infrastructure play a big role in keeping costs down. We are part owners of high-voltage lines that carry electricity to our member communities. These projects not only strengthen reliability but also generate returns that help offset wholesale power costs—another benefit of public power working together.
Supporting Local Utilities and Their Customers
Technology and customer expectations are changing rapidly, and WPPI helps member utilities stay ahead. Shared business systems—like outage management and online billing platforms—make operations more efficient and customer communication more effective.
Beyond technology, our customer programs and outreach funding help local utilities strengthen community connections and support vital local initiatives. These shared resources allow even the smallest utilities to offer services comparable to those of much larger providers, all while maintaining a local touch.
Leadership for the Next Generation
In 2025, WPPI welcomed a new generation of leadership as two longtime senior team members retired. Marty Dreischmeier, formerly CFO, now serves as senior vice president of power supply. Joe Daggett stepped into the CFO role, and Jake Oelke became senior vice president of member relations, communications, and services.
Each brings deep industry knowledge and a strong commitment to WPPI’s member-driven mission. Together with our engaged member utility leaders, the WPPI team is well prepared to guide our organization into the future.
Strength in Partnership
This year marks WPPI Energy’s 45th anniversary. Our strength has always come from our members’ active participation and shared purpose. That engagement remains as strong as ever—94% of WPPI member leaders recently reported being highly satisfied with our work together.
Our collaboration also extends to the policy arena. In 2025, more than 60 local leaders joined WPPI in meetings with state and federal lawmakers. Their advocacy helps ensure that public power’s voice is heard on issues that affect energy reliability, affordability, and local control.
The Power to Thrive
“The Power to Thrive” was the theme of this year’s WPPI Annual Meeting, and it perfectly captures where we’re headed. Together, WPPI member utilities are achieving more for the communities they serve—keeping power reliable, costs low, and progress steady.
The state of our joint action agency remains strong, and our commitment to serving the public good has never been clearer.
Mike Peters
President & CEO, WPPI Energy