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FARMINGTON, Minn. (Feb. 11, 2008) — Dakota Electric Association welcomed its 100,000 th member when Todd Cao’s home received service in January. Cao, his wife, Nhung, and three kids hope to move in as soon the house is completed later this year.

In celebration of hitting the 100k mark, Dakota Electric donated a basketful of energy-efficient products to Cao and his family and will donate $500 to a Dakota County charity of their choosing.

The gift basket contained nearly $200 worth of energy-efficient items, including compact fluorescent lights, a low-flow shower head, a Consumer Reports® book on reducing energy costs, a Panamax® power conditioner, an Ingeo blanket, night lights, outlet insulators and an energy tips CD from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

“Dakota Electric is a member-owned cooperative,” President and CEO Greg Miller said. “We wanted to celebrate this milestone by promoting energy efficiency and giving something back to the local community. We are glad to welcome Todd Cao as a member-owner.”’

Dakota Electric is only the second distribution cooperative in the state of Minnesota serving at least 100,000 members. As a cooperative, each residential or business account is a member of the cooperative with voting rights and the opportunity to run for the board of directors. Another benefit of membership includes the return of profits, called capital credits, to the members.

A customer-owned, non-profit utility since 1937, Dakota Electric Association provides electricity to 100,000 members throughout Dakota County and portions of Goodhue, Rice and Scott counties. Dakota Electric, your Touchstone Energy Partner, serves its member/owners with integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.