<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 24(a)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
Each of the undersigned does hereby appoint Paul J. Leighton, John A.
Rasmussen, Jr., Brian K. Hankel and Steven A. McArthur and each of them
severally, his true or her true and lawful attorneys, with full power of
substitution in his or her name, place and stead, to execute on his or her
behalf a registration statement on Form S-3 of MidAmerican Energy Company
relating to the issuance and sale of up to $27,000,000 principal amount of
medium-term notes and other aspects of the financing transactions related to
such issuance and sale, to be filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective
amendments), and other documents relating thereto, including exhibits, and to
file the same with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Each of such
attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act with or without the others.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this instrument as
of July 3, 2000.
/s/ Ronald W. Stepien /s/ Gregory E. Abel
----------------------------- -------------------------------
Ronald W. Stepien Gregory E. Abel
/s/ Patrick J. Goodman /s/ Steven A. McArthur
----------------------------- -------------------------------
Patrick J. Goodman Steven A. McArthur
