Alliant Energy is turning the operation of its nuclear power plant in Palo over to a management firm. Alliant spokesman John Ruff says the company will still own the Duane Arnold plant and the energy it produces.Ruff says the move will allow the company to focus on distributing the energy, while the management firm will focus on maintaining the plant. Ruff says Alliant has an agreement with the Nuclear Management Company to operate the plant. The plant began producing energy in 1974 and currently provides enough electricity for 200-thousand homes.