Dairyland Power Cooperative has joined 105 utilities, electric cooperatives and industry organizations across the country in signing the voluntary Ratepayer Protection Pledge. The pledge was developed in response to growing electricity demand driven by data centers, cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. As the nation continues to invest in technology and digital infrastructure, the pledge seeks to ensure that existing electric consumers are not responsible for the costs associated with serving new large-scale energy users.

According to the White House's release, the pledge is built around several key commitments. Companies developing data centers agree to build, bring or buy the power needed to support their operations, pay for any required transmission and distribution infrastructure upgrades and cover those costs regardless of their actual energy usage. The pledge also encourages investment in local communities through job creation and workforce development while supporting electric grid reliability and resilience.

Dairyland agreed to sign the pledge following an internal review because it aligns with the cooperative's long-standing commitment to affordable and reliable electricity. Dairyland supports responsible economic development and recognizes the opportunities that data centers and emerging technologies can bring to local communities. At the same time, the cooperative believes that the costs associated with serving these large new loads should be borne by the developers creating the demand rather than existing member-consumers.

President and CEO Brent Ridge attended the White House announcement recognizing utilities and organizations that have signed the pledge. Dairyland is among more than 100 electric cooperatives nationwide that have joined the effort, alongside the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and other industry partners.

By signing the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, Dairyland reinforces its commitment to financial strength, system reliability and responsible growth. The cooperative will continue to support economic development opportunities that benefit local communities while protecting the affordability and value of electric service for its member cooperatives and the consumers they serve.

Pictured: President & CEO Brent Ridge with NRECA CEO Jim Matheson; NRECA SVP, Communications Stephen Bell; and NRECA VP, Regulatory Affairs Ashley Slater, prior to the event.