This is my favorite time of year. While the holiday season is often a whirlwind of commitments, there’s something special about the joy we infuse into the beginning of the long winter months. Strings of lights and decorations make the short days a little brighter. Time with friends and family makes our homes a little warmer.

This is the season of gratitude and generosity. Caring for our community is a core cooperative principle that Northern strives to embody every day, regardless of season. We’re not here just to provide electricity. We are here to serve our members and the community. That’s why Northern helps uplift new businesses, spotlight great people in our community, and contribute to local charities and nonprofit organizations.

We also know the holiday season can be a source of financial stress. On average, Americans spend almost a $1,000 on holiday related purchases. Northern Electric offers various programs year-round that can help prevent surprise bills and offer rebates.

Budget billing

Budget billing allows members to stay on a budget by paying the same amount every month – no surprises! The member’s energy usage from the previous year on our line is used to calculate the average monthly bill. No matter the amount used, more or less, the member’s monthly bill will stay consistent.

While the members pay the same from month to month, the actual calculated month billings still vary. For this reason, at the end of the budget year the account is trued up. If the member’s usage is less than predicted, the new budget for the next budget year will be reduced by the credit amount. If they use more than expected, the members can choose to either pay the difference or increase the new budget amount for the next year. Some regulations and exclusions apply depending on rate types.

Prepay

Prepay allows members to pay for their power up front, by putting funds on their account before the electricity is used. Each day, the member’s energy usage is subtracted from the prepaid amount. With this payment option, members can put money toward their power costs whenever the member has extra. As the account reaches zero, the member is notified to make a payment or be subject to disconnection. A benefit to a prepaid account is a regular deposit is not required since the member is paying in advance. Some regulations and exclusions apply depending on rate types.

Rebate programs

Northern has various rebate programs for residential members. To see if you qualify for these rebates or if you have additional questions, please call 605-225-0310 and ask to speak with Member Services.

Water Heater: Residential homeowners may be eligible for a $6/month bill credit for having their electric water heater connected to load managements system. In addition, members who replace their water heaters with a qualified life-time warranty unit can get a one-time rebate based on the gallon capacity of the new water heater. New water heaters must have a minimum capacity of 50 gallons. Replacing an existing electric water heater is $8/gallon and converting from gas or propane water heater is $10/gallon. Construction of a new home without an electric water heater qualifies for $8/gallon and new homes with electric water heaters qualify for $10/gallon. One water heater rebate can be redeemed per structure every 10 years.

Electric Heat: Northern Electric Cooperative offers a reduced electric heat rate for 240-volt electric space heating equipment. This rate is lower than the normal kWh energy charge to encourage responsible use of electric heat and keep costs low for consumers during the coldest months of the year. The electric heat rate is calculated using a secondary meter - or submeter - that is installed by a Northern Electric member services representative.

DSS Energy assistance

 The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) offers energy assistance for households that meet the income requirements. Funds for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) are distributed on a first-come basis. Eligibility and assistance amounts are based on the number of people in the home and income.

Going into the holiday season, we at Northern Electric hope the rest of your year is filled with joy, surrounded by loved ones. If you have any billing questions, please call 605-225-0310.