At Dakota Electric, giving back is part of our mission – both to members and to our community.

Capital Credit$

What are capital credits?

  • Your share of Dakota Electric’s profits and allocations from our power provider
  • Returned to members, not to outside investors
  • A special perk of being a cooperative member

Who will receive checks this year?

Members with electric service during:

  • 2007 & 2010: Remaining 2007 and 75% of 2010 Dakota Electric allocations ($3.2M) Dakota Electric had no margins to allocate in 2008 or 2009.
  • 2003: Remaining 54% of our power provider allocations ($1M)

Ensure your check arrives!

  • Call 651-463-6212 to update your address
  • Email [email protected] with questions (include your check number)

School Donation$

Even though Dakota Electric works diligently to return capital credits, some checks go unclaimed. After a set period, those funds are reinvested into local education through our four-year rotating school grant program, another way Dakota Electric gives back.

This year, $50,000 was awarded to Districts 199 (Inver Grove Heights), 197 (W. St. Paul–Mendota Heights), 196 (Rosemount–Eagan–Apple Valley), and Inver Hills Community College to enhance student learning and advance district goals through innovative programs.

Districts 199 and 197 will use the funds to support Career and College Readiness programming through the TriDistrict Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (TriDistrict CAPS), which connects students with real-world career exploration and internships. The funding will help provide transportation for students without reliable transit and support start-up costs for a new CAPS center.

District 196 will expand waste reduction efforts by adding compost bins, educational signage, and waste audits across its high schools, empowering students to lead sustainability initiatives and reduce the district’s environmental footprint.

Inver Hills Community College will use its grant to remove barriers to student success by addressing basic needs and providing financial assistance, allowing students to better focus on their education.

By turning unclaimed capital credits into opportunities, Dakota Electric continues to invest in local schools, inspire innovation, and power the next generation of community leaders.

Helping Neighbor$

Dakota Electric also gives back through our Helping Neighbors® program. Helping Neighbors provides critical assistance for local families experiencing financial hardship. Donations help cover utility costs and stay in our community through trusted partners like the Community Action Partnership (CAP) Agency, Salvation Army, and 360 Communities.

If you’re able, please consider supporting Helping Neighbors. You can add a monthly donation directly to your electric bill or make a one-time contribution.

Click here to learn more or sign up or call 651-463-6212.

We also strongly encourage members who are struggling with energy costs to contact the CAP Agency to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Even if you’ve never applied before, you may qualify for help with heating bills, energy-related repairs or weatherization services. To apply visit www.capagency.org or call 651-322-3500.

Community Drive$

Another way Dakota Electric gives back is by organizing community drives that support local families and strengthen the communities we serve.

This season, Dakota Electric employees will be at the Hy-Vee in Lakeville on Saturday, December 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., collecting food and monetary donations for neighbors experiencing hardship.

As winter sets in, many families face difficult choices between paying bills and putting food on the table. By coming together, we can help ease that burden and make the season a little brighter for those in need.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Stop by to drop off a food item, make a donation, or simply show your support. Together, we can share the power of community and bring warmth and hope to our neighbors this holiday season.

Money Saving Tip$

Dakota Electric not only gives back through capital credits and community grants, we also help members save energy and money year-round.

Winter energy-saving tips

  • Open curtains during the day, close them at night to retain heat
  • Lower your thermostat a few degrees when you’re away or sleeping
  • Seal leaks around doors and windows
  • Schedule a furnace tune-up for peak efficiency
  • Switch to long-lasting LED lighting

Member rebates available

Dakota Electric offers rebates to help make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable — from heating and cooling systems to water heaters, appliances, and lighting.

Find a full list of available rebates and applications.

Because at Dakota Electric, every power perk helps you save energy, save money, and strengthen our community.