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:
- You must have been a member for at least one full year with regular payments on your electric bill.
- Your current balance is reasonable (not over one month behind).
- The account must be your primary residence.
- You must contact us before your account gets in trouble.
- 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.
