Financial Assistance

There is help for members unable to pay their electric bills. In addition to protection from the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule, we work with members to set up a payment plan. Assistance agencies are available to help provide funds for past due bills for qualifying members.

Prevent Disconnection

If you are behind on paying your bill, you can take the following steps to prevent disconnection:
  • Call Dakota Electric at 651-463-6212 to set up payment arrangements.
  • It is important that you keep your payment arrangement to avoid disconnection. If you don’t think you can make a scheduled payment, contact us BEFORE the payment is due.
  • Contact the fuel assistance agency for the county you live in. Contact information for local assistance agencies is listed below.
  • If you have used all of your fuel assistance funds, contact the agency again for emergency assistance.

Minnesota Energy Assistance Resources

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has energy assistance programs and resources available for members struggling to pay their utility bills. The following agencies can also help members who are struggling to pay their utility bills.

Military Assistance

When a household member has been ordered into active duty, for deployment or for a change of duty station, some members find it hard to pay their utility bills. Minnesota law may protect these military personnel from disconnection if they cannot pay their utility bills in full.

How to apply

Call 651-463-6212 to get an application and set up a payment plan. You must keep your payment plan to qualify for protection.

Payment plans

  • If your household income is below the state median household income, pay 10 percent of your household’s gross monthly income toward your gas/electric bill; or
  • If you receive energy assistance, pay 10 percent of your household’s gross monthly income toward your gas/electric bill; or
  • If your household income is above the state median household income, make and keep a payment plan.

Third Party Notice

You can choose to have Dakota Electric notify someone else, in addition to yourself, that you are in danger of having your service disconnected.

  • The third party can be a person or organization such as a friend, relative, church or community agency.
  • The designated third party can contact Dakota Electric to make payment schedules for you.
  • The third party notice is especially helpful to those who are ill, elderly or live alone.
  • The third party IS NOT responsible for payment.

Download the Third Party Designation form