Dakota Electric Association residential customers paid an average of 14.00¢/kWh in 2024 —
11% below the Minnesota average of 15.64¢/kWh (EIA-861).
It served 108,097 residential customers across 4 MN counties.
Territories are fixed by address, but the cheapest nearby utility, Minnesota Valley Electric Coop (13.98¢), works out about $2/yr less at 10,800 kWh/yr.
How Dakota Electric Association compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Dakota Electric Association, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Valley Electric Coop | 13.98 | 43,412 | -0.02 | -$2 |
| Dakota Electric Association (this page) | 14.00 | 108,097 | — | — |
| Shakopee Public Utilities Comm | 15.54 | 18,517 | +1.55 | +$167 |
| Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric | 15.63 | 10,725 | +1.63 | +$176 |
| Northern States Power Co - Minnesota | 16.98 | 1,230,057 | +2.98 | +$322 |
4 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Dakota Electric Association. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Dakota Electric Association customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Dakota Electric Association customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Dakota Electric Association premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota | Minnesota Valley Electric Coop | 13.98 | +$2 |
| Rice | Minnesota Valley Electric Coop | 13.98 | +$2 |
| Scott | Minnesota Valley Electric Coop | 13.98 | +$2 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 13.60 | 14.00 | +2.9% |
| Residential customers | 106,752 | 108,097 | +1.3% |
Ownership: Cooperative. Statewide context: Minnesota electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Dakota Electric Association bill
Minnesota is a regulated retail market — Dakota Electric Association customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: mn.gov/puc.
Counties served (MN, EIA-861 2024)
Dakota · Goodhue · Rice · Scott
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Dakota Electric Association more expensive than other Minnesota utilities?
- Dakota Electric Association customers paid an average 14.00 cents/kWh in 2024 — 11% below the Minnesota volume-weighted average of 15.64 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Dakota Electric Association?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and Minnesota has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (mn.gov/puc).
- How many customers does Dakota Electric Association have?
- 108,097 residential customers in Minnesota in 2024 across 4 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: co-op.
About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861)
and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff,
usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states
you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr
(US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes
and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.