Jake Omodt – Dakota Electric Association®

Dakota Electric Association® donates trees to member cities

Jake Omodt — Thu, 22 May 2025 16:34:13 +0000

Since 1997, Dakota Electric has donated nearly 200 trees to member cities

(FARMINGTON, MN) May 22, 2025 –Dakota Electric Association® is proud to support local communities by donating trees to seven member cities. Between April 19 and May 9, each city selected and planted a tree of its choice. In addition, the cooperative distributed 3,000 tree planting kits throughout its service area this year. Since 1997, Dakota Electric has contributed nearly 200 trees to member cities and over 180,000 tree seedlings to the community, honoring Earth Day and Arbor Day.

By donating trees and seedlings, Dakota Electric aims to go beyond merely providing electricity to its members. This initiative reflects a strong commitment to environmentally responsible practices and assists communities in building sustainable, eco-friendly futures. “Since the program’s inception in 1997, we’ve significantly impacted the communities we serve,” said Lori Peine, Community Affairs Coordinator for Dakota Electric. “It’s a unique gift to be able to deliver and help plant fully-grown trees in our member cities. I’m excited that we can provide this special gift to them.”

About Dakota Electric Association:
Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 117,000 members in and around Dakota County. Established in 1937, Dakota Electric is committed to providing its members with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while actively engaging with the community and promoting energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.dakotaelectric.com or follow Dakota Electric on X, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Dakota Electric Association® crews respond quickly to electrical contact incident

Jake Omodt — Tue, 20 May 2025 16:21:04 +0000

The cooperative reminds the public of the importance of electrical safety and emergency preparedness

(FARMINGTON, MN) May 20, 2025 – Around 9:20 a.m. on May 8, a semi-truck was involved in an electrical contact incident near a grain elevator on the edge of Miesville. Two Dakota Electric crews traveling to another job site observed the situation and stopped to respond.

The crews arrived shortly after the vehicle contacted the power lines. Following Dakota Electric’s emergency response procedures, one crew secured the area and notified the control center, which alerted emergency services. The other crew moved the driver to a safe location and began life-saving efforts, later assisted by a Dakota County sheriff’s deputy.

Dakota Electric is proud of the actions of powerline specialist crew chief Greg, powerline specialist journeymen Jake and Reid, and groundman James — the four employees on site who acted in alignment with their training and safety procedures. Their actions helped ensure the safety of those nearby and provided critical, life-saving aid until emergency responders arrived. This swift response — combined with the coordinated support of the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and the Miesville and Hastings fire departments — demonstrate the shared dedication to public safety among local agencies and utilities.

Dakota Electric crews complete regular CPR training and follow strict safety protocols for working around energized equipment. The cooperative also encourages the public to stay alert when working near or around power lines. If a vehicle contacts a power line, the safest action is to stay inside the vehicle and call 9-1-1. If there is a fire and evacuation is necessary, exit by jumping clear of the vehicle — making sure not to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time — then safely shuffle away without lifting your feet.

Dakota Electric is thankful the driver is in recovery and extends best wishes to him and his family.

Members of the public are reminded that if they see something that appears unsafe, they should call 9-1-1 and report it. Dakota Electric’s emergency line is available 24/7, 365 days a year at 651-463-6201.

Flames engulf a semi-truck after it made contact with electrical equipment near a grain elevator on the edge of Miesville, Minn., on May 8, 2025. Crews from Dakota Electric Association responded to the scene, assisting the driver and securing the area.

From left, Dakota Electric Association employees Reid, powerline specialist journeyman; Greg, powerline specialist crew chief; James, groundman; and Jake, powerline specialist journeyman, were part of the team that responded to an electrical contact incident on May 8 near Miesville, Minn

Dakota Electric Association Announces 2025 Board of Directors Election Results

Jake Omodt — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:47:42 +0000

All Incumbents Re-Elected

(FARMINGTON, MN) April 28, 2025 – Dakota Electric Association® members met for their annual meeting on April 24 at Dakota Electric Association headquarters in Farmington. The members and guests in attendance heard updates from the cooperative’s leadership team and Board of Directors. Key topics discussed included rates, future facility needs, potential load growth, and power supply. Dakota Electric Board Chair Paul Bakken, Dakota Electric Board Treasurer David Jones and Dakota Electric CEO Ryan Hentges all gave reports on the state of the cooperative.

Other topics discussed included the cooperative’s member appreciation night at the Minnesota Zoo, which will be held on July 17 and is free to members and their families. In addition, the election results of the board of directors were announced at the meeting. Those results are shown below, with winners named in bold font.

District 1 (three-year term)

David Jones (incumbent) (3,872 votes of total votes for 66.2%)

Jeff Nelson (1,981 votes of total votes for 33.8%)

District 2 (three-year term)

Terry Donnelly (incumbent) (3,080 votes of total votes for 52.6%)
Ben Baglio (424 votes of total votes for 7.2%)
Michael Hanninen (307 votes of total votes for 5.2%)
Todd Neuman (555 votes of total votes for 9.5%)
Amelia Vohs (1,490 votes of total votes for 25.4%)

District 3 (three-year term)

Cyndee Fields (incumbent) (4,091 votes of total votes for 70.3%)

Nadim Zoberi (1,729 votes of total votes for 29.7%)

District 4 (three-year term)

Stacy Miller (incumbent) (3,673 votes of total votes for 63%)

Ian Benson (2,158 votes of total votes for 37%)

In addition to the above election results, members voted to pass the proposed amendments to the governing Articles of Incorporation and Bylaw Amendments. That language can be found on the Dakota Electric website.

The amendments passed by a vote of 4,699 “Yes” votes or 85.8% to 776 “No” votes or 14.2%.

There were 106,396 eligible voters. The ballots received totaled 4,580 paper ballots, 1,385 electronic ballots, and five onsite ballots, with a total ballot return of 5,970, or 5.61% of eligible voters. Survey & Ballot Systems, an independent third party, distributed and certified the ballots.

Annual Meeting reports are available online for members who were unable to attend. They can be found at https://www.dakotaelectric.com/about-us/annual-meeting-election.

Official Notice of Dakota Electric Association’s Annual Meeting

Jake Omodt — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:00:49 +0000

Dakota Electric invites members to attend the 87th Annual Meeting on April 24

(FARMINGTON, MN) April 4, 2025 – Dakota Electric Association® will hold its 87th Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 24, at the Dakota Electric headquarters at 4300 220th St. W, Farmington. The meeting will start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts with Dakota Electric staff and Board members. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct the Board of Director elections, consider bylaw changes and hear reports from our CEO and Board Members on the state of your cooperative.

“Our Annual Meeting is an exciting day for everyone in the Dakota Electric family,” said Ryan Hentges, President and CEO of Dakota Electric. “I know all the staff and Board members in attendance look forward to talking with and meeting our members.”

Balloting and election materials for the Board of Directors election and proposed bylaw changes will be mailed to members in early April and include instructions for voting by mail, online, or in person. To be counted, ballots must be received by Survey & Ballot Systems, an independent election service, no later than noon on April 24, 2025, or they may be submitted in person on the night of the annual meeting. Please refrain from dropping off or mailing ballots to Dakota Electric Association’s office.

The following candidates are running for seats on the Board of Directors:

District 1 (three-year term)
David Jones (incumbent)
Jeff Nelson

District 2 (three-year term)
Terry Donnelly (incumbent)
Ben Baglio
Michael Hanninen
Todd Neuman
Amelia Vohs

District 3 (three-year term)
Cyndee Fields (incumbent)
Nadim Zoberi

District 4 (three-year term)
Stacy Miller (incumbent)
Ian Benson

Biographies for all candidates listed above are available on Dakota Electric’s website.

An annual meeting report will be available on Dakota Electric’s website after the meeting for members who cannot attend.

This meeting will take place in the cooperative’s warehouse. This active work area has uneven work surfaces in places. If you have mobility concerns or require accommodations, please contact Dakota Electric at 651-463-6212.

Members with election-related questions should email boardelection@dakotaelectric.com.

Dakota Electric Association® announces 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour winners

Jake Omodt — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:01:56 +0000

Local students win trip to D.C.

(FARMINGTON, MN) March 11, 2025 – Five local high school students were recently selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Dakota Electric Association. The students will participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) annual Youth Tour, scheduled for June 16-21. The students selected are:

A panel of judges selected five students from those who applied after reviewing their applications and conducting a round of interviews. “Every year, I am amazed by not only the number but also the quality of candidates who apply,” said Peggy Johnson, Dakota Electric’s community relations director. “I know our judges have difficulty narrowing the candidates down to just five.”

Every year, over 1,800 high school students from across the United States are chosen and sponsored by their local electric cooperatives to participate in NRECA’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. During the week, students learn about government, electric cooperatives, and how they work together. They also have the chance to visit several monuments, memorials, and museums in Washington, D.C., while meeting members of Congress.

Dakota Electric makes applications for the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour available each January. Eligible applicants must be sophomores, juniors, or seniors currently enrolled in high school and residing within Dakota Electric’s service area. Students wanting more information can visit https://www.dakotaelectric.com/community/education-programs/.

Dakota Electric Association® Hosts 17th Annual Crops Day

Jake Omodt — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:20:08 +0000

Crops Day will bring experts from the University of Minnesota and the Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District to Dakota County Growers

(FARMINGTON, MN) March 11, 2025 – Dakota Electric Association will sponsor and host Crops Day on Wednesday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at Dakota Electric’s headquarters at 4300 220th Street West in Farmington, MN.

The event schedule is as follows:

8:30 a.m.
Registration

9:00 a.m.
Private Well Testing: Measuring Nitrate, Arsenic, Manganese, Lead, and Coliform Bacteria, Matt Belanger, Dakota County Environmental Resources Department, Apple Valley

9:15 a.m.
Stacking Practices for Soil Health, Dru Larson, Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District, Farmington

9:30 a.m.
Federal Program Updates, Matthew Lundberg, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Brandon Dahl, Farm Service Agency

9:45 a.m.
Break

10:00 a.m.
Using Cereal Rye as a Cover Crop: Seeding Rate and Termination Timing for Optimal Weed Control and Soybean Yield, Eric Yu, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota, Farmington

10:30 a.m.
Insect Updates and Outlooks for 2025, Claire LaCanne, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota, Andover

11:00 a.m.
Grain Markets in Turmoil, Edward Usset, Grain Market Economist, University of Minnesota, St. Paul

11:30 a.m.
Energy Conservation Programs, Mike Plutowski, Dakota Electric Association

Noon
Lunch with the experts and trade show

This event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided. Drop-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is requested for food planning. On-site registration begins at 8:30 am. To RSVP, please register online at https://z.umn.edu/DakotaCountyCropsDay.

Dakota Electric Association, Werner Seed, McNamara Farms, Compeer Financial, Dakota Soil & Water Conservation District, and the University of Minnesota Extension sponsor Crop Day.

About Dakota Electric Association:
Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 115,000 members in and around Dakota County. Established in 1937, Dakota Electric is committed to providing its members with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while actively engaging with the community and promoting energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.dakotaelectric.com or follow Dakota Electric on X, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Dakota Electric Association® opens applications for Electric Cooperative Youth Tour

Jake Omodt — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 20:20:42 +0000

High-school students can win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C.

(FARMINGTON, MN) January 8, 2025 – Dakota Electric Association is calling on the next generation of leaders to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. The Youth Tour was established to inspire our next generation of leaders by allowing them to explore monuments and museums, meet with members of Congress, develop leadership skills and learn about the cooperative business model. Since 1964, more than 50,000 young people have taken advantage of this unique opportunity their local electric cooperative offers.

“We encourage any student who is interested to apply,” said Peggy Johnson, Community Relations Director at Dakota Electric. “We look forward to reviewing all the applications that come in. Year after year, the applications get more and more impressive.”

This opportunity is open to students currently enrolled as sophomores, juniors, or seniors who reside within Dakota Electric’s service territory.

Students can complete the application to apply for this extraordinary trip by visiting Dakota Electric’s website. The deadline for submission is February 21, 2025, so interested students should act promptly to secure their chance.

To complete the application, students must include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or youth organization leader. This requirement ensures that applicants are recognized for their dedication, leadership, and potential to make a positive impact. Additionally, applicants must be available for in-person interviews on March 13 or 18.

Youth Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to broaden their horizons, gain valuable insights, and forge lifelong friendships and memories. This immersive experience allows students to explore iconic landmarks, engage in interactive educational activities, and connect with peers nationwide.

“This is an unbelievable experience—once in a lifetime,” continued Johnson. “With Youth Tour being an annual occurrence, we can invest in our future leaders on a regular basis. That investment in our community and the next generation of leaders is something Dakota Electric is very passionate about.”

Dakota Electric Association is committed to empowering the community’s youth and providing them with unique opportunities for growth and development. By offering this all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., Dakota Electric aims to inspire and motivate students to become active participants in shaping the future.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C.! Apply now and embark on an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting impression.

Please direct questions to Peggy Johnson, Community Relations Director, at (651) 463-6110 or (612) 978-4612 or email pjohnson@dakotaelectric.com.

Dakota Electric Association® files a rate case with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Jake Omodt — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 20:45:41 +0000

Dakota Electric seeks an 11% rate increase

(FARMINGTON, MN) December 31, 2024 – Dakota Electric Association filed a rate case with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) yesterday, December 30, 2024. Dakota Electric is seeking an overall increase of approximately 11%, or $23.8 million. The last time Dakota Electric filed a rate case with the MPUC was in 2019.

Temporarily, Dakota Electric is asking the MPUC for an interim rate increase of 9.5%. The additional charge will apply to electricity use beginning in March 2025.

The monthly bill for a typical residential member using 700 kilowatt-hours of electricity will increase by about $8.72 due to the proposed interim adjustment. The interim rate will appear on bills as “Interim Rate Adjustment.”

“Each year, Dakota Electric builds a bottoms-up operating budget, analyzing all costs of delivering safe and reliable electricity. We carefully assess operational expenses, infrastructure needs, and long-term investments. As a result, Dakota Electric recently submitted a filing to the MPUC to begin a 10-to-12-month review process for a proposed rate adjustment of 11%,” said Ryan Hentges, President and CEO of Dakota Electric Association. “We understand that rate adjustments impact household budgets, so we approach the process carefully and only request adjustments when necessary. Dakota Electric hasn’t filed a rate case since 2019 and before that, 2014.”

Following a comprehensive investigation, the MPUC will establish the final rates and charges, which may differ from those initially requested by Dakota Electric. These final rates and charges will become effective on a date set by the MPUC. This process with the MPUC is expected to take 10-12 months. If the overall approved increase is lower than interim rates, Dakota Electric will refund members the difference with interest. If the final overall approved revenue exceeds interim rates, Dakota Electric will not back-charge members the difference.

“Over the next couple of months, Dakota Electric will provide details about the hearings in local newspapers, bill inserts, letters to members and on our website,” continued Hentges. “Members may also provide written comments about the rate adjustment to the MPUC.”

To read in detail why the co-op must file for a rate adjustment and to find out how to stay involved, members are encouraged to visit dakotaelectric.com/rates and follow Dakota Electric on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Dakota Electric Association® announces retirement of $5.5M in capital credits

Jake Omodt — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:16:44 +0000

Member-owners who lived on Dakota Electric lines from 2002-2006 to receive checks

(FARMINGTON, MN) December 31, 2024 – This year, the Dakota Electric board of directors approved the retirement of $5.5 million in capital credits to be paid back to members. Member-owners who lived on Dakota Electric’s lines from 2002 to 2006 will be mailed a check in mid-December reflecting their share of ownership in the cooperative.

“Dakota Electric is proud to return these capital credits to our valued member-owners,” said Ryan Hentges, President and CEO of Dakota Electric. “As a member-owned, not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative, we prioritize the financial well-being of our members and strive to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Returning capital credits is one way we fulfill our commitment to our members.”

If you were a former member and did not receive a capital credits check, review the unclaimed capital credits list and submit an unclaimed capital credits payment request. We request that former members keep us up to date with their current address. We must follow state laws for unclaimed property if we attempt to send you a capital credit check, and the post office returns it due to an outdated address. We continue to carry unclaimed capital credit amounts on our books for up to seven years. If, after the required time, we still have not located you, the law requires us to either turn the money over to the state or donate it to a charitable organization. Our current policy, as set by the board of directors, is to donate all unclaimed capital credits money to local community colleges and schools for student scholarships and educational purposes.

Capital credits in a cooperative like Dakota Electric represent members’ ownership and are derived from annual profits. These credits are allocated based on electricity usage and reinvested to reduce borrowing, keeping rates low.

The cooperative has set a goal to retire these credits on a 15-year rotation by 2025, as the board of directors approved. Please keep us informed of your current address by calling 651-463-6212. Questions? Email capitalcredits@dakotaelectric.com and include your check number. To learn more about capital credits, visit www.dakotaelectric.com/aboutus/capital-credits.

About Dakota Electric Association:

Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 115,000 members in and around Dakota County. Established in 1937, Dakota Electric is committed to providing its members with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while actively engaging with the community and promoting energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.dakotaelectric.com or follow Dakota Electric on X, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Dakota Electric Association® announces Touchstone Energy Community Award winner and runners-up

Jake Omodt — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:39:12 +0000

Bundles of Love was named the winner, with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and Foster Together named runners-up

(FARMINGTON, MN) December 18, 2024 – Dakota Electric Association named local non-profit Bundles of Love the Touchstone Energy Community Award winner. Since 2005, the Touchstone Energy Community Award has recognized organizations for their outstanding contributions to the local community. The award acknowledges the efforts of those who have impacted numerous people, addressed unmet community needs or provided necessary services. Bundles of Love’s was awarded $500 for winning the award. Their award application will be submitted to the statewide Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award. The Minnesota Touchstone Energy Community Award will be announced in February during the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s annual meeting in St. Paul.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) and Foster Together were named runners-up and will receive $500 each.

“With over 30 non-profits and community organizations applying this year, we were humbled to see all the good happening in and around Dakota County this giving season,” said Jon Beyer, VP of Energy and Member Services at Dakota Electric. “We hope this giving mindset is contagious during the holiday season.”

Bundles of Love is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that partners with community organizations to assist Minnesota families in need by providing handmade items for newborns. The organization believes in a world where every newborn can access the basics.

SHP, a nonprofit with chapters across the country knows child bedlessness is a national problem, and has provided the solution. The Twin Cities South chapter is funded locally; local volunteers do the work, and the beds are delivered to local kids. Volunteer delivery teams are currently delivering beds to kids aged 3-17 who don’t have a bed of their own.

Foster Together exists to walk alongside foster, kinship, and adoptive families. Its mission is to reduce stress and prevent burnout by providing relational and tangible support. Foster Together partners with the community to create opportunities for everyone to get involved.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impacts these organizations make with these resources,” said Beyer. “Best of luck to Bundles of Love as their application heads through the statewide application process.”