Dakota Electric Association

Power Outage Safety

Dakota Electric works hard to deliver the highest level of reliability to our members, but sometimes storms, animals, vehicle accidents and other circumstances out of our control leave members without power.

Preparing for a Power Outage

Properly preparing for a storm outage keeps you informed and safe if you experience an outage.

• Have battery-powered radios and flashlights with fresh batteries.
• Get a cell phone or non-cordless phone. Most cordless phones will not work during outages.
• Keep Dakota Electric’s outage number in an easy-to-remember location or keep the latest copy of your phone book. You may not be able to use the Internet to get Dakota Electric’s phone number during an outage.
• If someone in your household depends on in-home life support equipment, notify Dakota Electric. Also purchase a back-up generator or make plans for a location you can go to if an outage lasts longer than you can be without power.
• Review proper generator installation guidelines.
• Update your Dakota Electric account phone number.

During a Power Outage

• Report the outage and downed power lines 
• Follow proper installation guidelines if you plan to use a generator.
• Listen to WCCO 830 AM or check Dakota Electric's website and/or Facebook page during large or prolonged outages.
• Use caution when using alternative heating, lighting and cooking sources that may increase the risk of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to help prevent cold foods from spoiling.