Financial assistance available to help with utility bills
We know that COVID-19 has created additional financial hardships, placing an even larger burden on families already struggling to pay their bills or bring their accounts current. If you are experiencing difficulty paying your electric bill, the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified homeowners and renters.
EAP primary-heat grants range from $200 to $1,600 depending on family size, income and energy costs. In addition to primary-heat grants, crisis-benefit grants are also available. For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has increased the maximum annual crisis-benefit grants for qualifying households from $600 to $1,200.
Despite the large infusion of dollars into the EAP program, applications for primary-heat benefits are down by about 10%, and applications for crisis benefits are down by about 30%. The EAP application deadline is May 31, 2021, but may possibly be extended until Sept. 1, 2021.
Dakota Electric exists because of you, and we are dedicated to the people and communities we serve. If you are having difficulty paying your electric bill and do not qualify for either of these programs, please contact member services at 651-463-6212 or check out the community resources to the left.
To learn more about the EAP program or to apply for assistance:
Visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Assistance website, for more details and to access the application portal.
Contact your county EAP service provider for additional information and assistance.
Summer pole inspections
Utili-Tech, a pole inspection contractor hired by Dakota Electric Association, is conducting annual pole inspections in our service area throughout June and July.
Areas included are Hampton Township, Hampton, New Trier, Douglas Township and Miesville. The pole inspector will be identified as a Utili-Tech employee, contracted by Dakota Electric to gather pole data as it relates to the above-ground distribution system.
The inspector will attempt to contact each member before performing inspections. The inspector will walk through backyards and private properties, as well as use an ATV to access certain pole locations.
Please contact Dakota Electric at 651-463-6265 if you have questions or concerns about pole inspections in these areas.
