A community-built cooperative delivering reliable electric service to one of Maine's most remote island communities.
Small But Mighty — NRECA recognizes our cooperative as the smallest rural electric cooperative in America.
Our History
Before 1969, homes on Isle au Haut relied on individual generators. A community effort led by Patrick Tully built a powerhouse and about one mile of distribution line, forming the cooperative electric power company that still serves the island today. That one mile was eventually replaced with an 8 mile grid.
In 1983, the co-op installed a roughly seven-mile undersea cable from Stonington to Isle au Haut, laid along the ocean floor by a team led by Parker Waite. The cable replaced aging WWII-era generators as the island's primary power source. Though expected to last 15–20 years, it has substantially exceeded that, operating for more than four decades.
Diesel generators are maintained on the island as a backup. If the cable fails or the mainland grid goes down, the island can run on diesel — though this would roughly triple electricity costs compared with cable power.
The co-op has also benefited from mutual aid across the broader cooperative network. Neighboring co-ops on Swan's Island and Fox Islands donated surplus transformers to help address a transformer shortage. Cherokee Electric Cooperative in Alabama donated 400 brand new meters, allowing IAHPOCO to upgrade its metering infrastructure. These acts of generosity reflect the spirit of cooperation that defines rural electric cooperatives.
2026 Cable Project
With help from the Northern Border Regional Commission and with gifts from the community, the company is installing a second cable to the mainland. The new cable has a higher capacity and will provide continuity in the event the older cable fails. The map below shows the undersea path to the mainland, along with a bathymetry study conducted to facilitate cable placement.
Map of 2026 Undersea Power Cable · Stonington to Isle au Haut · Bathymetry from 2023 survey
How We Operate
IAHPOCO is organized under the 501(c)(12) nonprofit designation, which governs nonprofit electric cooperatives.
Every property owner on Isle au Haut is an equal member-owner of the cooperative with a voice in governance.
An elected board of directors oversees cooperative operations, finances, and long-term planning on behalf of members.
As a 501(c)(12) nonprofit, we operate at cost. Revenue beyond expenses is retained in the cooperative's capital reserves.
Annual financial audits, member meetings, and full public disclosure of financial statements ensure accountability.
Operations
IAHPOCO staff responsible for day-to-day operations and member services.
Governance
IAHPOCO is governed by a member-elected board of directors responsible for oversight of cooperative operations and policy.
Questions about service, membership, or cooperative governance? We're here to help.
billing@iahpoco.org · billing@iahpower.org
Contact Us