As we settle into the new year, it’s time to start tackling our goals and achieving those New Year’s resolutions. If you want to start with something easy to get momentum, make sure the information we have on file for you is correct! That includes contact information, such as phone number and email address, as well as names on the account. If you had household changes in the last year, please let us know what names should still be associated with your account.
Remember to keep us in the loop if your upcoming project will require a new service, or if there are changes to the equipment on load control:
Upcoming projects
If you have a project that will require a new service, let us know as soon as possible. Advance notice helps get those processes rolling early, even for what seems like small new services. Whether you’re putting in a bin site or adding a drain tile pump, any new service will spark a flurry of behind-the-scenes preparations. From easements and surveys to acquiring the materials needed and adding the project to our schedule, new services have a lot of moving parts that we need to coordinate. Some of the essential materials to build line or upgrade services have months-long lead times.
The best way to notify us is to call 605-225-0310. Member services will have a discussion with you, to gather all the information we need, such as your account information, surrounding infrastructure, and the legal description of the area you plan to modify. In addition, we will provide you the aid to construction required for the potential infrastructure build out.
If you’re not sure if the project will require more infrastructure, it’s better to check with us first. Otherwise, you run the risk of wrapping the project up only to realize it’s not functional with the current electric infrastructure. When members alert us of incoming loads ahead of time, we are able to better balance the lines, which is necessary in order to provide reliable energy.
AC load control devices
As of January 2026, Northern Electric will no longer control air conditioners during the summer months. Instead, you will have full control over your own unit. The summer air conditioning rate has been eliminated.
If you have a load control device on your air conditioner, please call to schedule a time for us to remove the air conditioner from load control. If you have a heating /cooling contractor onsite, they can disconnect the air conditioner control wire. Then, we just need notification of the removal.
All other load-controlled equipment will remain on the management system. If you have both a water heater and an air conditioner on a load control device, only the air conditioner will be disconnected. While removing your air conditioner from the load control device, we may also update your device to a new style load control device for your non-air conditioning loads. We are working to phase out the previous model of load control devices.
Please call 605-225-0310 to coordinate a time for us to detach your air conditioner from load control.
New Heating
Northern has a reduced rate for fixed space heating equipment from October to May. To qualify, the heating equipment must be at least 240 volts and permanently wired in. If you’ve added permanent heating equipment, such as baseboard heating or hanging heaters, please call to let us know, so we can get you on the reduced rate.
Portable space heaters or heaters that are under than 240 volts, such as some fireplace heaters, do not qualify for the reduced rate. If you are unsure if your heating equipment qualifies, please call us at 605-225-0310.