Light News

Every day something changes in the energy industry. From new wind farms to technology upgrades in our system control center, change happens every day. Light News is our way of providing brief pieces of information to keep members informed about the day-to-day changes, milestones and news at Dakota Electric.

Dakota Electric helps with video - This week I participated in a video highlighting jobs in the utility industry because in the future there will be a lot of retirements and a need for more skilled workers. They filmed another line worker and me working and talking about the things we like about our jobs, like the rewarding work, good pay and ability to help others. It feels great to restore power after an outage and people appreciate what I do. If you like being outside, working with your hands and aren’t afraid of heights, you should check out powerline work. Watch for the video on our Web site in the future.

Josh R., journeyman powerline specialist

Updated on 5/7/08 2:56 pm

Christina Huddleston Elementary Tree Trust - On Monday, the students at Christina Huddleston Elementary School in Lakeville participated in a Tree Trust Planting Day event sponsored by Dakota Electric. Students from kindergarten through 5th grade worked with Tree Trust volunteers to plant 32 trees throughout the school grounds. In addition to sponsoring the event, Dakota Electric donated woodchips and sun visors as well as pre-digging holes for the trees.

Denise R., environmental services director

Updated on 5/5/08 2:22 pm

Thank you GreenTouch volunteers - Dakota Electric had a GREAT turnout for our annual GreenTouch event held at Fort Snelling State Park. We had 100 volunteers who helped pull garlic mustard and pick up trash around the park on a beautiful spring day. GreenTouch is a statewide event sponsored by Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives that has organized hundreds of volunteers who help get our state parks ready for spring. This is the 9th year that this event has been done statewide. I don’t have the total numbers that include this year yet, but so far we have had 4,630 volunteers work 16,400 hours. Minnesota’s Touchstone Energy cooperatives have also donated $320,000 to help fund the Junior Park Naturalist program and the state park guide.

Joe M., public relations specialist

Updated on 5/2/08 1:09 pm

Recycle My Old Fridge - Did you know nearly 11 percent of our nation's residential electricity is used to keep food cold? And according to ENERGY STAR®, there are more than 47 million refrigerators more than 10 years old in the U.S., costing consumers an average of $4.7 billion per year in energy costs. ENERGY STAR created their Recycle My Old Fridge campaign to help consumers find out how much their old refrigerator costs to operate and to identify a local refrigerator-recycling program.

Learn more at www.RecycleMyOldFridge.com

Anthony M., energy services representative

Updated on 4/29/08 12:38 pm

First underground cable - Sixty-five years ago this week, Dakota Electric installed its first underground cable. The United States Navy supplied the cable for installation after several Navy airplanes clipped the overhead lines and caused outages during training flights at the Jack Hogan airport, which was located at the southeast corner of Cedar Avenue and County Road 42.

Steve K., warehouse director

Updated on 4/29/08 10:41 am

Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR - ENERGY STAR recently launched the Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR campaign to show consumers how small steps can make a big difference. Members who visit the ENERGY STAR Web site can find valuable tips for reducing energy use and take the ENERGY STAR pledge to show their support of the campaign.

Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR Web site

Linda L., marketing manager

Updated on 4/22/08 11:50 am

Celebrate Earth Day - Today is Earth Day and saving energy is one of the easiest ways to show your appreciation of Mother Earth. Following are five easy and affordable ways to save energy and other resources such as water.

1. Turn off lights when you leave a room

2. Install CFLs in as many locations as possible in your home CFL rebate and recycling information

3. Recycle. Recycling just one aluminum soda can saves enough energy to power the average television for up to 3 hours.

4. Install a low flow showerhead, which will not only use less water but also reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water.

5. Unplug items such as cell phone and battery chargers when they are not in use. Many of these items use energy even when they are not in use.

Jessie Z., communications specialist

Updated on 4/21/08 3:56 pm

Minnesota Zoo Earthfest - As part of the Minnesota Zoo's EarthFest this weekend, Dakota Electric had a booth at the entrance to the Tropics Trail where we handed out energy tips, CFL headbands and other information on energy-efficient lighting. It was a great weekend to spend time at the zoo answering questions and getting kids excited about CFLs by handing out headbands.

Michael H., energy services manager

Updated on 4/16/08 12:10 pm

Minnesota Zoo Earthfest - In honor of Earth Day on April 22, the Minnesota Zoo will be hosting an EarthFest on Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20. The event will celebrate all things green and highlight hands-on, eco-friendly activities for everyone. Dakota Electric will be on hand at the event with information on energy-efficient lighting and energy-saving tips.

Jessie Z., communications specialist

Updated on 4/15/08 3:11 pm

SES project highlight of SEE conference - The School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley, hosted a SEE (Schools for Energy Efficiency) conference at the school this past week. SEE is a comprehensive initiative that helps K-12 schools in Minnesota develop and implement strategies for reducing energy use and related expenses. Dakota Electric was there presenting and providing information about the wind and solar project at the school as well as information about Great River Energy’s programs to help schools become more energy efficient. Other staff and myself were on hand for the event. The school presented and provided tours of the renewable energy installation that came online in December. Several school districts from across the state were represented at this conference.

Craig T., engineering services manager

Updated on 4/10/08 8:09 am

Cold Weather Rule protection ending - Cold Weather Rule protection will end next week on Tuesday, April 15. At this time, members with delinquent accounts who have received a disconnection notice and not contacted Dakota Electric to arrange a payment plan will be scheduled for disconnection. If you are behind on your electric bill and want to prevent having your electric service disconnected, please call our offices as soon as possible to make payment arrangements.

Sherie W., billing and CIS manager

Updated on 4/4/08 1:20 pm

Wescott Park sub energized - Yesterday, Dakota Electric re-energized the Wescott Park substation on Wescott Road in Eagan. There are two units in the substation and the west one underwent a complete rebuild, which started last fall. Everything was dismantled and rebuilt, and a new larger transformer was installed in December and a new switchgear in January. This type of upgrade is a major project and involves many employees to get it done. The equipment has more capacity to handle growing electrical use, and this much needed upgrade will assist us in our quest to always provide reliable electric service.

Jerry G., senior project leader

Updated on 4/4/08 9:16 am

Apple Valley Home and Garden Expo - Saturday is your last chance to visit one of Dakota County’s local home and garden shows. The Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Apple Valley Home and Garden Expo at the Dakota County Western Service Center on Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. I will be on hand at Dakota Electric’s booth during the expo to answer energy related questions and provide information about our energy-saving programs and rebates.

Dave R., energy services representative

Updated on 3/31/08 2:01 pm

Annual Meeting held - Dakota Electric had a successful annual meeting on Thursday. As a cooperative owned by those it serves, Dakota Electric holds director elections and the annual meeting each year. The membership re-elected all incumbent directors: Ron Swagger, Burnsville, district 1; Janet Lekson, Rosemount, district 2; Margaret Schreiner, Eagan, district 3; and Ray Nicolai, Hampton, district 4. A bylaw change also passed. If you want to know more about the business of your cooperative, the annual meeting is a great place to start. Read more about it.

Joe M., public relations specialist

Updated on 3/27/08 9:07 am

Local home and garden shows - If you have some free time this weekend, I encourage you to stop by one of the two home shows in our area to get some great ideas for your home and yard. Dakota Electric will be on hand at both shows to answer energy-related questions and provide information on CFL recycling, energy-saving products and programs and much more. Following are details for the upcoming shows:

Burnsville Home Remodeling Fair
Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Burnsville Senior High School

Lakeville Landscape & Home Expo Consumer Showcase
Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lakeville North High School

Dave R., energy services representative

Updated on 3/25/08 3:27 pm

Annual Meeting this week - I’d like to remind everyone about annual meeting on Thursday. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. We’ll hear reports from officers and directors and hear election results at the meeting. This is an opportunity for the member-owners of the cooperative to hear first-hand about the business. We hope to see you there.

Joe M., public relations specialist

Updated on 3/25/08 10:22 am

Upcoming CapX 2020 Meetings - Next week the CapX 2020 utilities will host another round of open houses to provide information on a proposed transmission line between Brookings, SD to the Southeast Twin Cities. Members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project, including the need for new infrastructure, the routing process and how to participate in the public process, as well as provide feedback and information to assist the team in routing proposals. Local open houses include:

Tuesday, April 1 from 3-7 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, New Prague, MN

Wednesday, April 2 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 3-7 p.m.
Arlington Community Center, Arlington, MN

Thursday, April 3 from 3-7 p.m.
Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, Farmington, MN

More CapX 2020 Project and Meeting Information

BROOKINGSINFO@CAPX2020.COM; 1-888-473-2279

Updated on 3/20/08 9:49 am

Offices Closed - I'd just like to remind members that Dakota Electric's offices will be closed on Friday, March 21.

Jessie Z., communications specialist

Updated on 3/19/08 4:23 pm

Grassroots Day at the State Capitol - Six Dakota Electric employees spent Tuesday, March 18 at the State Capitol meeting with area legislators as part of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s Grassroots Day. Employees spoke with legislators representing Dakota Electric’s service territory about issues important to Dakota Electric members and the energy industry such as renewable energy, energy conservation and the proposed carbon cap and trade legislation.

Peggy J., community relations director

Updated on 3/17/08 1:57 pm

Partners in Progress - Last Thursday Dakota Electric recognized the accomplishments of the cities in our service territory at our annual Partners in Progress event. More than 125 people attended, including state legislators, county commissioners, city representatives, chamber of commerce representatives and business owners. Each city received a certificate recognizing their accomplishments and a set of economic development books to add to their city's libraries.

LaDonna B., economic development director

Updated on 3/13/08 12:01 pm

South of the River Home and Leisure Show - Dakota Electric will be at the South of the River Home and Leisure Show this coming weekend to answer questions about energy-efficient products, home building and home improvements. The show will be at the Eagan Civic Arena and open at the following times:

Friday, March 14, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, March 16, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Anthony M., energy services representative

Updated on 3/12/08 3:56 pm

Employees support Daffodil Days - With many employees experiencing cabin fever, The American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days is a great way to remind employees that spring is just around the corner while supporting a good cause. Dakota Electric employees raised more than $500 for the American Cancer Society, and this week the daffodils arrived, reminding employees that spring is almost here.

Sallie S., buyer/planner

Updated on 3/12/08 9:03 am

Employee recognition - Yesterday Dakota Electric held our annual employee recognition event. The event is a great way to recognize employees' accomplishments throughout the past year and present years-of-service awards. Dakota Electric recognized thirty-two employees for their years of service, which ranged from five years to forty years.

Malinda M., human resources manager

Updated on 3/7/08 11:14 am

Money-saving rebates for businesses - Dakota Electric offers a number of grants and rebates to help our business members purchase and install more energy-efficient products such as efficient lighting and geothermal heat pumps. Dakota Electric even offers a Custom EnergyGrant® for qualifying energy-efficient products not covered by existing rebate programs. Feel free to contact me at 651-463-6243 for more information.

Learn more about Dakota Electric's rebates

Mark H., energy services representative

Updated on 3/6/08 9:36 am

Win with Wellspring - Participating in Wellspring Renewable Wind Energy® is a great way for members to show their support of renewable energy. During the month of March, members visiting our Wellspring Renewable Wind Energy Web page have the opportunity to win a conservation basket valued at $50 simply for taking the time to read the page and learn more about wind energy.

Get more details and sign up to win

Jessie Z., communications specialist

Updated on 2/26/08 1:20 pm

South Metro Polar Bear Plunge - On Saturday, I led 11 of my Dakota Electric co-workers into Lac Lavon as part of the South Metro Polar Bear Plunge. In addition to getting muddy, wet and cold, we raised more than $1,600 for Special Olympics Minnesota. Nearly 350 people participated in the 3rd Annual South Metro Polar Bear Plunge, which raised $71,000.

Steve K., warehouse director

Updated on 2/21/08 10:01 am

Dakota County Home & Garden Show - I just wanted to remind our members that Dakota Electric will be at the Dakota County Home & Garden Show on Saturday. The show will be held at the Rosemount Community Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are planning to build or make any improvements to your home, this is a great place to get ideas and ask questions.

Mark H., energy services representative

Updated on 2/21/08 8:29 am

Dakota Electric history - Seventy years ago today, Dakota Electric energized its first lines out of the old Farmington substation.

Learn more about Dakota Electric's history

Steve K., warehouse director

Updated on 2/20/08 2:19 pm

Legislative Visits - Yesterday, a contingent of our board members and staff paid visits to our legislators at the State Capitol. We do these visits to help them understand some of the issues affecting distribution cooperatives like Dakota Electric.

Many of the legislators want to hear how legislation will positively, or negatively, impact our ability to provide low-cost electric service. Laws passed at the Capitol, as well as nationally, do have an impact on the final cost you pay for electric service, and we want to help legislators be informed as they discuss any utility legislation.

Some of the items we discussed were carbon legislation, the 2007 Next Generation Energy Bill, increasing number of delinquent accounts and Community Based Energy Development (C-BED). .

Greg M., president and CEO

Updated on 2/15/08 10:12 am

Business of the Year - Dakota Electric was awarded the River Heights Chamber Business of the Year award.

Here’s what the Chamber said: “The River Heights Chamber Business of the Year Award acknowledges an organization that has a commitment to the community through its involvement and assistance to community organizations, a commitment to its employees and focus on innovative employee programs, and a commitment to excellence in service, business ethics, friendliness and business operations. Dakota Electric Association performs magnificently in all six areas.”

Dakota Electric is proud to receive this award. It affirms the work of many employees and directors who are involved in the local communities we serve.

Greg M., president and CEO

Updated on 2/7/08 4:01 pm

Reality Check - I would like to thank the Hastings Middle School for inviting me to help out with its Reality Check program. It is always fun to watch the students realize how expensive things like groceries, utilities and child care are.

Peggy J., community relations director

Updated on 2/12/08 4:12 pm

Offset increasing bills - Recent RTA (Resource and Tax Adjustment) increases will cause the average residential bill to increase $7 each month. Following are some easy ways to help offset the increase:

- Sign up for Cycled Air Conditioning® and save $30 each summer for an average of $2.50 a month.

- Switch your furnace fan from on to automatic and save an average of $13 per month.

- Replace five 75-watt incandescent lights bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and save $2.45 each month.

- Run a box fan instead of a dehumidifier in your lower level and save $15 a month.

Learn more about the RTA

Sign up for Cycled Air

Important CFL disposal information

Anthony M., energy services representative

Updated on 2/8/08 10:12 am

Parade of Homes Spring Preview - I just wanted to remind everyone that the Parade of Homes Spring PreviewSM starts tomorrow and features 743 new homes. Models will be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and noon to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Mar. 16.

Get more details

Dave R., energy services representative

Updated on 2/7/08 4:01 pm

Reality Check - I would like to thank the Hastings Middle School for inviting me to help out with its Reality Check program. It is always fun to watch the students realize how expensive things like groceries, utilities and child care are.

Peggy J., community relations director

Updated on 1/30/08 3:32 pm

Truck inspections - This week an outside firm is reviewing and testing all of Dakota Electric’s bucket trucks to make sure they don’t have any structural or electrical problems that could pose safety risks. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards require the annual inspection, which helps ensure lineworkers stay safe while operating the trucks.

Bernie K., transportation and warehouse manager

Updated on 1/28/08 9:21 am

Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award - On Friday, I had the pleasure of presenting our Excellence in Youth Employment Services Award to Ken Kooyer, manager of the Kenwood Avenue Starbucks. The Youth Employment Services Award was a great way for us to recognize Ken’s support of events, enterprises and activities that help Lakeville’s youth develop important leadership skills and his employment of high school students.

More about Kooyer’s dedication to youth employment

LaDonna B., economic development director

Updated on 1/25/08 11:56 am

First-aid certification and AEDs - Last week, 93 Dakota Electric employees were re-certified as first-aid responders, including CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use training. Dakota Electric also added 3 more AEDs on line trucks bringing the total number of AEDs in service to 14, 12 in the field and 2 in the building.

Kevin F., manager of safety services

Updated on 1/25/08 8:47 am

Load control receiver inspections - In the upcoming weeks, Dakota Electric employees and contractors will be in the field inspecting and upgrading load control receivers used for Dakota Electric's off-peak programs such as Cycled Air®. Contractors working on this project will have "Dakota Electric Contractor" magnetic signs on their vehicles. Dakota Electric would like to thank off-peak participants in advance for your cooperation with this project.

Randy P., vice president engineering services

Updated on 1/24/08 3:58 pm

Dakota Electric drive-up window - I'd just like to remind our members that Dakota Electric does have a drive-up window at our office in Farmington. Members who don't want to get out of their cars, especially on really cold days, can use the drive-up window Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Lisa A., billing representative

Updated on 1/22/08 4:17 pm

Substation upgrade improves reliability - On Jan. 15, we installed a switchgear house at our Wescott Park Substation in Eagan. This Switchgear is a large piece of equipment, similar to the electrical panel in your home (except it takes a crane to install it). The switchgear provides circuits and allows us to remotely monitor and control the electrical flow. The substation upgrade added capacity and more circuits. This upgrade means the electrical load can be spread across many circuits, and potentially, a smaller part of the system will be lost when a problem is encountered, thus providing better reliability for everyone in the area.

Craig T., engineering services manager

Updated on 1/18/08 9:17 am

Upcoming weekend load control - With extreme cold temperatures anticipated to cover much of the area this weekend, Great River Energy, Dakota Electric's wholesale power supplier, is expecting an increased demand for electricity and higher power costs. As a result, Great River Energy is likely to initiate residential load control on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

More details

Mike F., vice president marketing and sales

Updated on 1/16/08 12:26 pm

Outstanding 2007 safety record - Over the past six years employees have stepped up to reduce recordable injuries by more than 83 percent. Prior to 2001 we had more than 30 recordable injuries per year, and we ended 2007 with only 6. Employees deserve all of the credit for reaching this milestone. This accomplishment required the work of every single employee at Dakota Electric.

Kevin F., manager of safety services

Updated on 1/8/08 1:49 pm

Energy demand continues to increase - I found this news release from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association interesting.

The news release said: “According to the U.S. Department of Energy, demand for electricity nationally will increase by 40 percent during the next 22 years — even with an optimistic projection of a 9 percent reduction in electricity use due to increased efficiency factored in. As the economy expands, the need for power grows right along with it.”

Nearly every respected analysis, however, finds that our country is running out of power. And as a result, there’s a good chance consumers could experience brownouts and even rolling blackouts in the not-too-distant future if we don’t act soon.”

A recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), a Princeton, N.J.-based non-profit organization charged with monitoring America’s power system reliability, confirms that unless more resources come online, it will not be long before the need for power can no longer be met.”

Greg M., president and CEO

Updated on 1/3/08 8:19 am

2008 Youth Tour applications available - Do you know of a high school junior or senior interested in winning a free trip to Washington D.C. this summer? Dakota Electric is offering free trips to Washington D.C. for five local high school juniors and seniors as part of the National Rural Electric Association annual Youth Tour, and applications are now available on our Web site.

Youth Tour application and information

Peggy J., community relations director

Updated on 1/2/08 3:32 pm

Save with 2008 rebates - If you plan on purchasing any new appliances in 2008, make sure you check out our rebates page to learn how you can get money back for purchasing energy-efficient models.

2008 rebate information

Michael H., energy services manager

Updated on 12/20/07 1:26 pm

Offices closed during the holidays - Just a reminder that Dakota Electric's offices will be closed from December 24-25 and on January 1. We hope you have a great holiday season!

Jessie Z., communications specialist

Updated on 12/19/07 3:47 pm

Renewable energy project dedication - I had the privilege of speaking at the School of Environmental Studies yesterday where we helped dedicate a wind turbine and two solar panels. The project will provide renewable energy for the school and provide an opportunity for students to learn about renewable energy for years to come. There is a great educational display at the site as well as real-time data about the output of the system. If you are near the MN Zoo, drive up Johnny Cake Ridge Road and visit the site anytime.

Greg M., president and CEO

Updated on 12/14/07 12:40 pm

Dishwasher rebates ending - Dakota Electric’s $25 rebate offer on Energy Star® qualified dishwashers will end on December 31, 2007, so don’t delay if you plan on purchasing a new dishwasher.

Learn more about dishwasher rebates

Michael H., energy services manager

Updated on 12/13/07 10:15 am

Great River Energy signs contract for more wind - Great River Energy, Dakota Electric’s power supplier, announced on Monday that it has signed a power purchase agreement with PPM Energy (PPM) to purchase wind power from the Elm Creek Wind Farm. The 99-megawatt Elm Creek Wind Farm near Trimont in southern Minnesota is expected to feature 66 wind turbines at 1.5 megawatts each and begin operations in December 2008.

Learn more about Elm Creek Wind Farm

Jessie Z., communications specialist

Updated on 12/11/07 1:10 pm

CapX 2020 meetings held locally -The Minnesota Department of Commerce (DOC) is hosting meetings to gather input from the public concerning the proposed CapX 2020 345-kilovolt transmission line projects. Information provided by the public will be used by the DOC to help generate an environmental scoping document. Citizens will have an opportunity to ask questions and to learn more about the proposed transmission projects.

The two closest meetings are both Dec. 18.

12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Arlington Community Center 204 Shamrock Drive,Arlington, MN 55307

6 p.m. to 8 p.m.Cannon Falls Grandpa’s Event Center 31846 65th Ave. Cannon Falls, MN 55009

Joe M., public relations specialist

Updated on 12/06/07 1:00 pm

Dakota Electric receives dividend check – At the board meeting last week, our subsidiary, Energy Alternatives, presented Dakota Electric with a dividend check for $800,000 that represented profits for 2005 and 2006. Energy Alternatives was started in 1993 to fill a need for project management of generator installations.

Greg M. – president and CEO

Updated on 12/04/07 3:05 pm

GIS Day – Dakota Electric is in the process of upgrading our GIS (geographic information system). To educate our employees on the upgrade, the core GIS team held an open house today with displays and demonstrations that gave employees a chance to see the new technology and learn how it will help them better serve our members.

Len J. – technical systems manager