Delivering electricity is a team effort. Dakota Electric partners with Great River Energy (GRE) and works with the regional electric grid to bring safe, reliable power to your home and business every day.
Working Together for Reliable Power
At Dakota Electric, our job is making sure you have reliable, affordable electricity every hour of every day. While we maintain the local distribution system, the electricity itself comes through partnerships that extend across Minnesota and the Midwest.
The Regional Advantage
Dakota Electric does not generate most of its own electricity. Instead, we purchase wholesale power from GRE, which generates and supplies the electricity we deliver to your homes and businesses. GRE also participates in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which coordinates the flow of electricity across much of the Midwest to help ensure the electric grid remains reliable.
Every day, MISO balances supply and demand, determines which power plants generate electricity, and helps ensure power is available when and where it’s needed. This regional approach strengthens reliability while helping keep costs competitive.
Looking Ahead
Electricity demand continues to grow as communities expand, businesses invest and new technologies emerge.
Working together with GRE and MISO, Dakota Electric is planning for the future through new generation resources, continued investment in infrastructure and responsible long-term planning to ensure reliable service for decades to come.
Supporting Growth Responsibly
New manufacturing facilities and data centers can bring jobs and economic opportunities, but they also require significant amounts of electricity.
Dakota Electric supports responsible growth and carefully evaluates these opportunities to ensure they can be supported without compromising reliability or affordability for existing members. Our priority remains protecting the members we serve today while preparing for tomorrow.
RELIABLE SERVICE
Multiple organizations work together to keep the lights on.
AFFORDABLE POWER
Regional market help control costs.
FUTURE PLANNING
Long-term investments support our community for years to come.
CONNECTION BETWEEN COST & DEMAND
When electricity demand spikes, more generation resources are needed to meet that demand. Purchasing additional electricity during these peak periods can increase the overall cost of providing power.
WHY SUMMER BILLS TEND TO BE HIGHER
Hot weather means air conditioners run longer and more often, increasing the amount of electricity many households use. Higher usage often results in higher bills.
PROGRAMS THAT HELP YOU SAVE
Dakota Electric offers programs like load management, rebates, and energy-saving tools that can help lower your electric bill while reducing demand on the grid.
WORKING TOGETHER
Reliable electricity is a partnership. Dakota Electric invests in infrastructure and long-term planning, while members can help by conserving energy during peak periods and participating in energy-saving programs.
