About Independence Power & Light
With roughly 60,000 customers, Independence Power and Light is one of the Top Three largest municipal utilities in Missouri. IPL is in the Top 5% largest municipal power utility providers in the nation, and has been recognized by the American Public Power Association with the RP3 designation for demonstrating high proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. This puts IPL in the Top 1% of utilities nationwide.
In Independence, residents are not just utility customers; they are also the owners of the utility. Through the elected City Council, residents have a say in the policies and the rates by which IPL operates.
Local Control — Community residents, through their locally elected officials, establish electric service policies and electric rates.
Local People — IPL employees live and work in the area. They understand the needs and goals of the community and respond quickly to serve customers and the community.
Local Ownership — Utility revenues stay in the community to meet local needs and keep rates low.
More Than 650 Miles of Power Lines.
Independence Power & Light serves more than 55,000 customers within the City of Independence. With the exception of Lake City Arsenal, IPL serves the entire City of Independence.
Service Territory
IPL maintains and operates 6 generating units, 14 major substations and more than 650 miles of power lines. The utility is summer peaking.
Some of the electricity required to meet customer demand is generated by IPL with combustion turbines. Most of our electric needs, however, are met through energy purchases from outside sources.
IPL History
In 2026, Independence Power & Light will celebrate its 125th year anniversary of providing safe, reliable and low cost electric service to Independence.