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Touchstone Energy Community Award Applications Being Accepted
 Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for the Touchstone Energy Community Award, which recognizes individuals, businesses, nonprofit and community groups that have shown a strong commitment to the community.
Program details:
- The award acknowledges those who exemplify commitment to community by impacting large numbers of people, collaborating resources, meeting unmet community needs or providing necessary service.
- You do not need to be a member of MVEC to apply, however the work of the group or individual must have been done in a community within MVEC’s service area.
- Accompanying this prestigious award will be a check in the amount of $500.
- The award recipient will contend against other award winners from around the state for the statewide Touchstone Energy Community Award, which has a cash prize of $1,000.
- The statewide award winner will be recognized at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association annual meeting in February of 2009.
- Applicants are evaluated on project scope, use of resources and the impact or value to the community.
The deadline for applications is November 19, 2008. The winner will be notified by November 31, 2008.
Questions?
Contact Diane Schoenbauer at MVEC
Phone (952) 492-8292
E-mail: dianes@mvec.net
You’re Invited to an All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp Dinner
 MVEC would like to invite you to our upcoming fundraiser. Help electrify Pignon, Haiti by attending this great event. Cooperative Electrique de Pignon was formed to aid in electrifying the city of Pignon - population of 30,000. It is hoped that businesses will develop in the area and stimulate the economy once electricity is running through the city.
When
Friday, October 24, 2008
Serving dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where
Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative
125 Minnesota Valley Electric Drive, Jordan, MN 55352
Directions
Cost
$25.00/person
On the menu
Boiled Shrimp w/drawn butter &/or Cocktail Sauce, Tossed Salad, Potatoes, Garlic Toast, Cheesecake & Beverages
Purchase your tickets today! Contact Chris Schwingler at 952-492-2313 or email Chris at chriss@mvec.net. Seating is limited.
State issues new tax on electric bill
 Starting with August bills, members living in Dakota and Hennepin Counties will notice a new tax on their electric bill. Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about this new tax.
What is the tax for and why am I getting taxed?
Five metro counties (Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington) passed a new transit tax in April. A state transportation bill passed in February allowing county governments the authority to impose the tax. The tax will be used to fund improvements to the transit system, including light rail, commuter rail and bus rapid transit.
How much is the new tax?
It is .25 percent, meaning members will pay 25¢ for each $100 on their electric bill.
When will it appear on your electric bill?
Bills sent in August will be the first to include the new tax.
What does the tax apply to?
The transit tax applies to anything that is subject to the general sales tax.
How will the tax appear on my bill?
The transit tax will be listed as a county transit tax on your electric bill.
Does MVEC profit from this tax?
No. MVEC is only collecting the tax. The entire amount collected is sent to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
How does this relate to tax exempt status?
If you are 100 percent tax exempt, you do not have to pay the additional tax. If you are partially tax exempt, you will have to pay tax on the taxable portion of your bill.
I don’t live in the counties listed. Do I still have to pay the tax on my electric bill?
No. The tax only applies to members who live in the counties listed. For MVEC this will affect members living in Dakota and Hennepin Counties.
For more information contact:
Minnesota Department of Revenue
www.taxes.state.mn.us
651.296.6181 | 800.657.3777
Dakota County - http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/default.htm
Hennepin County - http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/
We have an energy challenge America.
It’s time to come together and change our future.
 When it comes to finding solutions, we must meet climate change goals while keeping costs down and electricity available. America needs a plan. Because we all know that our energy needs keep on growing – every day.
Now is the time to have a candid conversation with your elected officials. Together, we can find answers and take action. Start by asking your elected officials these questions to get the dialogue headed in the right direction:
- Capacity – Experts say that our nation's growing electricity needs will soon go well beyond what renewables, conservation and efficiency can provide. What is your plan to make sure we have the electricity we'll need in the future?
- Technology - Our country faces a crisis as electricity use increases faster than available supply. I believe that by unleashing American ingenuity we can solve this problem. What are you doing to speed the development of new technology which will allow me to have the electric power I need while meeting our national climate policy goals?
- Affordability - Balancing electricity needs and environmental goals will be difficult. How much is all this going to increase my electric bill and what will you do to make it affordable?
Start the conversation today at www.ourenergy.coop.
MVEC Hosts First Web Conference on Electric Rates
View Let's Talk Electric Rates Webx Conference
“Let’s Talk Electric Rates” was the theme of MVEC’s first web based conference which emphasizes the cooperatives commitment to increase member knowledge and information about major issues within the utility industry. Web conference technology allows MVEC to visit with its membership via the Internet.
 On Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at noon and 7:00 p.m. MVEC hosted two live web conferences which included a 30 minute presentation followed by a 30 minute Q & A session. This gave members the opportunity to ask questions about their electric rates as well as other areas of the cooperative. Presentation topics included:
- Industry Knowledge
- Wholesale Power Supply
- Holding Down Costs
- Getting to Know You
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