FAQs

• MVEC employees cannot take any banking or credit card info over the telephone due to Federal Privacy Regulations.

What is a franchise fee, and why is it on my bill?

• A city is imposing a tax/fee and defines it through an ordinance; MVEC collects this for the town. The municipality determines the charge based on service type.

I am moving how do I STOP my service?

• This video will explain how to stop your service with MVEC.

What is the Transfer Fee that appears on my first bill?

• A transfer fee covers billing costs and administrative expenses associated with starting/transferring electric service at/to a new property.

How much did I pay last year for my usage for Tax Purposes?

• All usage and statements are available online within your SmartHub account.
• This video explains how to look up your energy  and downloading my data

  • Watch video: How to Download your Energy Usage 

  • Watch video: How to Navigate your Energy Usage

• MVEC is governed by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission who sets utility boundaries.

How do I add another name to my electric account?

• Since Capital Credits are being earned under all account holders since the set-up of the account, a new account will need to be opened in both names to separate the earnings of Capital Credits. You can always add an authorized user to the account that does not affect Capital Credit.

How can I obtain the usage history of the home I just purchased?

• Since usage differs between households and MVEC protects the privacy of all account holders and will not release any usage information on accounts.  The seller of the home can give the information to you.

How do I look at my energy usage? How do I sign up for SmartHub?

• Questions about your monthly, daily, or hourly usage that makes up your electric bills? SmartHub is not only MVEC’s free online bill payment portal, it is a great tool to keep track of household energy usage. SmartHub helps you play detective in investigating your monthly electric bill!
• Watch Video: How to Sign Up for a SmartHub Account
• Watch Video: How to Download Your Energy Usage

• Watch video: How to Navigate your Energy Usage

Can I create a Budget Account the day I start service?

• To obtain accurate information when making a budget payment, MVEC likes to have six months’ worth of revenue before giving a budget amount to your account.
  • Sign-up is quick and easy, and can be done right on the MVEC.net web page! Click here to sign-up

I have a branch overhanging on my electric line to my house – do you fix that?

• Falling trees and branches are the number one cause of MVEC power outages. No one likes cutting down trees, but MVEC does have right of way clearance to remove branches that interfere with power lines. If you have a tree that is close to an overhead line, contact the co-op.
  • Contact MVEC dispatch for assistance at (952) 492-8255 or (800) 232-2328

Can I landscape by the big green box in my yard?

• It is very important to keep the green box (transformers) easy to find and free from plants and shrubs growing around it. Keep all plantings at least 10 feet away from a transformer. This gives crews better access the transformer with a “hot stick” to disconnect energized power before they can start repairs safely. In the event of an emergency, crews need to access the electric equipment quickly and will need to remove things in the way. Having to remove shrubs, flowers and large rocks can slow down restoration efforts and may create a serious safety hazard.

There is a street light out; can you fix that?

• If the street light is serviced by MVEC and the member is paying for the street light, the member needs to call dispatch and have a service order started to replace it.
  • Contact MVEC dispatch for assistance at (952) 492-8255 or (800) 232-2328

• Load management programs allow the cooperative to manage and maintain the flow of power required during high energy demand days. The cooperative determines when load management is needed.  Any residential member can participate, and all Energy Wise programs are voluntary.

How does Energy Wise work for my equipment?

• The strategy used can vary by device, but in general- enrolled equipment is generally either cycled or interrupted during time periods of exceptionally high demand for electricity
• By Product?
  • AC- During peak electricity usage, the switch cycles (controls) your central air conditioner on and off. The furnace fan continues to circulate cool air in your home.
  • Heating Loads- This is a voluntary program for electric heating products. Products are switched to a backup heat source during peak electricity usage times.
  • Water Heating- The water heater is interrupted only during peak electricity usage times through this switch.
  • Pumps & Fountains- MVEC will periodically interrupt power to the electric pump (for pool, fountain or other water feature device*) by sending a signal to your load control receiver.
  • Wi-Fi Thermostats- Participants agree to brief, limited events when thermostats are automatically adjusted during peak electric demand periods during the summer cooling season. Peak electricity demand typically occurs on hot summer days.

How do I get my Rebate? Where do I find the forms?

• You can find instructions and relevant information (including forms & instructions) on our Rebates Page.

Where do I find Wiring Diagrams for Energy Wise (Off-Peak) Installations?

• Wiring Diagrams for MVEC off-peak installation can be found here.
• Further Questions? Call our Technical Help Line at 952-492-8330

How to sign up for Load Management Notifications

• In addition to checking MVEC’s load management page, members enrolled in Energy Wise programs can sign up to receive an email sent right to their inbox whenever MVEC plans load management. Click here to sign up.

How to read DRU? What do the different lights mean?

• All Energy Wise programs for heating, cooling and electric water heating (except electric vehicle programs and Wi-Fi thermostats) require a Demand Response Unit (DRU) on your home to receive signals to start and end a load management time period. See our graphics that show what the three lights on the DRU mean.
  

Where do I get an off-peak socket & Off-peak equipment? (Call Sales Department?)

• In order to obtain equipment, you must contact our Sales Department. They will help you determine what equipment you need, and coordinate a method for you to obtain your Energy Wise items.
• You can reach Michael via phone at 952-492-1313, or by email at [email protected]
• Please allow time for your order to be fulfilled