Light News
RTA remains the same for now
The Resource and Tax Adjustment (RTA) will not change at this time. Therefore, members will not experience any billing increase due to rate changes. Please keep in mind that bills will increase or decrease due to changes in energy (kWh) consumption. Dakota Electric does a mid-year review of the RTA and a change is possible at that time. Any changes to the RTA will be communicated by a message on your bill and in this newsletter.
Dakota Electric uses the RTA to adjust prices according to changes in wholesale power cost, property and real estate taxes and conservation spending. The charge is a direct pass-through of costs and is reviewed by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Posted 1/30/12 at 4:30 p.m. by Joe M., public relations director
Candidates for our board
As a cooperative business, our members (those who purchase electricity from us) have the opportunity to elect those who serve on our board of directors. To find out who is seeking to run for the board this year, follow this link. Ballots will be mailed in March and the election ends at our annual meeting on April 12.
Posted 1/19/12 at 4:30 p.m. by Joe M., public relations director
Two million jobs
2012 is the International Year of Cooperatives. Co-ops do some great things around the world and provide some very needed services. Give a read of a recent Star Tribune article about cooperatives. A study estimates that cooperatives account for nearly 2 million jobs. In Minnesota, about 46,000 people work for electric cooperatives (including me).
Posted 1/17/12 at 9:00 a.m. by Joe M., public relations director
Majestic Hills Ranch wins local Touchstone Energy Community Award
Congratulations to Majestic Hills Ranch of Lakeville for winning the 2011 Touchstone Energy Community Award. The award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to the local community. The Angel Foundation, Minneapolis, Cheerful Givers, Eagan, and Kids n' Kinship, Apple Valley, were named runners-up.
Each organization received a plaque and a check for $500. Majestic Hills Ranch award application will be submitted for the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award for a chance to receive $1,000. The winner will be announced in February at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association's (MREA) annual meeting in St. Paul.
Clay Van De Bogart, Dakota Electric board member, presents the award to Kris Zieska of Majestic Hills Ranch.
Posted 1/9/12 at 1:53 p.m. by Tanya W., communications specialist
Study shows recession helping motivate conservation
I just came across this study, which came out earlier in 2011. I still thought it worth sharing.
The recession is having an impact on people's desire to conserve energy. According to a study by Deloitte, 52 percent of companies are working to reduce their energy costs by 25 percent on average over the next two to three years.
The study also reports that 68 percent of consumers are taking extra steps to cut their electric bills because of the recession. It says that both a cost consciousness and social awareness are behind the energy-saving attitudes. Read about here if you like.
Posted 1/4/12 at 9:00 a.m. by Joe M., public relations director
Happy New Year!
Dakota Electric's rebate programs for 2012 have changed. Continue to take advantage of valuable rebates from Dakota Electric on energy-efficient lighting, appliances and heating and cooling equipment. Restrictions apply and limited funds are available. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Posted 1/3/12 at 1:42 p.m. by Tanya W., communications specialist