Watts News
Watts News is a newsletter published by
North Itasca Electric Cooperative for its members.


  Issues online:

  • July 2010
    • Annual Meeting: Operating in an uncertain political climate
    • Airport Dedication
    • Roxanne's Sales Talk
    • July Special Events
    • July Calendar
  • June 2010
    • Message from the Board Chairman
    • Over the CEO's Desk
    • Office Generations
    • Staff Assistant Report
    • Roxanne's Sales Talk
    • Load Management News
    • Update from the Line Department
    • June Calendar
  • May 2010
    • Russ and René Cutting’s Cutting Edge Addition/Remodel
    • RoundUp® Awards
    • Load Management Notice!
    • Administrative Law Judge hears comments on Transmission Line
    • Fridge Farewell Promotion
    • May Calendar
  • April 2010
    • Transmission Line Options Include Northern Route
    • The Future of Energy & Conservation
    • Effie Mounted Search & Rescue
    • Roxanne’s Sales Talk
    • Nominations Open for Director Positions
    • April Calendar
  • March 2010
    • Effie Country Service opens new buildings
    • RoundUp® Application Deadline Approaching
    • Roadwork ahead!
    • Roxanne's Sales Talk
    • Scholarship Applications
    • Save Energy webcast
    • March Calendar
  • February 2010
    • 77 Teams Cross the White Oak Classic Finish Lines
    • Coming Saturday, Feb. 20: Bigfork Valley Winter Challenge
    • Pearsons' Addition
    • Roxanne's Sales Talk
    • Huge savings on Steffes room heating units
    • Installing an air source heat pump or central air conditioning this year?
    • February Calendar
  • January 2010
    • Letter to our Members
    • Joel Maggert joins the Board
    • CFLs for Food 2009 Donations
    • Energy Star® Home Rebate awarded
    • White Oak Dogsled Classic
    • Webcast on Energy Saving
    • January Calendar
  • December 2009
    • Capital Credit Retirement
    • Wasting Less Energy in 2010
    • Member Recognition for Energy Efficiency
    • Santa's Mitten Maids at Work
    • Conservaation: Where Do I Begin?
    • December Calendar
  • November 2009
    • Larry Salmela joins board from District 3
    • RoundUp® Grants Awarded
    • Caption Contest
    • Hunters' Suppers
    • Roxanne's Sales Talk
    • Load Management Audit Update
    • How much energy does your electric space heater use?
    • November Calendar
  • October 2009
    • Rep. Oberstar Keynotes Grand Opening of Discovery Center
    • Emerald Ash Borer
    • The Cause of Rising Costs
    • Roxanne's Sales Talk
    • September Calendar
  • September 2009
    • Brick storage heat...good choice!
    • Operation RoundUp® to meet in October
    • National energy bill moves through Congress
    • Roxanne’s Sales Talk<
    • Bigfork Valley Challenge
    • September Calendar
  • August 2009
    • Discover Center Highlights Local Ecology
    • Arts & Crafts Fair Friday, August 7th
    • Home Energy Audits Available
    • Great Savings for George Inott
    • Koochiching County Fair Time!
    • Notice: N.I.C.E. Long Distance
    • Lighting retrofit rebate for Max Mini Store
    • August Calendar


Send your comments about the WATTS NEWS to the editor with the subject "Watts News".


Cold Weather Rule Notification

Energy Assistance


Help with heating bills

With the skyrocketing costs of fuel oil and propane needed for heating this winter there will be a lot of folks making a decision whether to buy groceries or pay their fuel bill. Perhaps your Cooperative can help with a payment plan that will shift a portion of your winter electric bill into the spring so that you will have a little extra money now for those rising bills and not have to worry about being disconnected.

As long time owners and supporters of your electric cooperative, you’ve been doing your best to keep your bills (and ours) paid each month but this winter is going to be just too much to handle. Our plan is not a giveaway so please don’t think you’re avoiding your responsibilities by working with us. By contacting us now you may also be avoiding late fees and other charges later on in the winter if you find yourself choosing between the fuel bill or other necessities. The only rules we’re placing on this program are as follows:

  1. You must have been a member for at least one full year with regular payments on your electric bill.
  2. Your current balance is reasonable (not over one month behind).
  3. The account must be your primary residence.
  4. You must contact us before your account gets in trouble.
  5. Your participation in this program will be kept confidential and on a need-to-know basis.
To find out the details call us at at 743-3131 or 1-800-762-4048 and ask for Kim or Kathe.



Gopher One
the number to call before digging

It’s almost time to start digging activities around the home, and every homeowner in Minnesota should be aware of Gopher One.

By calling Gopher One, homeowners only need to make one call to alert utilities -- like telephone, electric or gas -- so they can locate any under-ground services. And it’s required by Minnesota state law (Chap. 216D).

So 2 working days before you plan to dig over 12 inches deep, call the Gopher One number at (800) 252-1166.

There is a new, easier way to access Gopher One. Just dial 811 - it's a national number that will connect you with the state notification service. It's still free as a service to you.

Homeowners should also know that the co-op will locate underground lines up to the meter, but lines from the meter to the house are consumer-owned and are not located by the utility.




Billing Notes

If your bill states “Pd by Cr Card” or “Paid at Bank” you do not need to mail the bill or a payment in to the office, it is set up to automatically deduct from the account you have previously selected.



Electrical Inspection

Except for minor repair work, all electrical work you do at your home, cabin, or property is required to be inspected by a State Electrical Inspector. A rough-in inspection must be made before any wiring is covered by insulation, sheetrock, etc., including installations underground. A final inspection is also required when all wiring has been completed. Please visit www.electricity.state.mn.us for more information.

The inspectors can be reached weekday mornings between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

  • Itasca County – Scott Nutting 218-927-6922 or cell 218-838-2464
  • Beltrami/Clearwater Counties - Mark Smythe (218) 751-0487 (www.smytheelectricinspections.com)
  • Koochiching/St. Louis Counties – Robert Orgon (218) 556-3829



Don’t get the WATTS NEWS but would like to?

Non-members may subscribe to have the WATTS NEWS delivered to their mailbox for $8 a year, or they may pick up a complimentary copy at the co-op's Appliance Store in Bigfork. Contact North Itasca Electric Cooperative at (800)762-4048 for more information.



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