Welcome North Branch members!

East Central Energy is excited to welcome 2,025 North Branch customers to the cooperative family. New member packets were mailed Feb. 24. This page is a great resource if you have misplaced anything or simply want to learn more.

Don’t forget to return your member application by March 31 for an easy $25 bill credit! Your first bill will be mailed March 2 and due March 21. It may not be a typical monthly bill due to the timing of the transfer. (Upcoming bills may fluctuate due to the number of days in each billing period. You might also find that ECE’s due dates are sooner than NBW&L’s, so please adjust your budget and plan accordingly.)

The welcome newsletter and new member packet included the following items:

• A personalized member application to return by March 31

• ECE’s Bylaws

• Budget Billing info (If you have a budget plan, it will transfer over from NBW&L)

• The 7 Cooperative Principles

• Welcome brochure topics:
  •   Safety as a way of life
  •   Operation Round Up
  •   Capital credits SmartHub (Your new ECE account number is on the bottom of your member application)
  •   Payment options
  •   Auto Pay (New Auto Pay will need to be set up with ECE)

Feel free to browse our website for additional information to help you become familiar with the cooperative and the products and services available to you as a member of ECE. We may be the third-largest cooperative in Minnesota, but we pride ourselves on our small-town focus and personal attention.

Still have questions? Check out the FAQ below, or ECE’s Member Services team can be reached Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by calling 1-800-254-7944. Outage calls are answered 24 hours a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to fill out an application?
To better serve you, we need to know: your most current contact information; what kind of property you have (seasonal, residential, or commercial); who is authorized to access account information; and where capital credits should be assigned. This information also helps us evaluate energy use to ensure equipment is functioning properly.

What if I don’t return the application?
Should we not receive your completed and signed application, payment of your first bill will indicate your agreement to the Conditions of Membership, as per the ECE Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on the $25 bill credit!

Who is allowed joint membership on an account?
Per ECE Bylaws, joint membership is allowed for those in a legally recognized relationship. For all others, please let us know who we can discuss the account with by filling out the appropriate section of your membership application.

What will my rate be?
Residential members will stay at their current rates ($15.08 for cost of basic service and $0.01349 per kilowatt hour) for three years, as long as you reside at the same address. After three years, you will move to ECE's regular rates. Commercial members will move to ECE rates right away, which in most cases will be lower than your current rates.

Will I get a new meter? 
Yes. When inventory allows, ECE personnel will upgrade your meter and there might be a brief interruption in service. The timing of meter replacement will depend on inventory and workforce availability.

What happens if I send my ECE payment to North Branch?
Neither entity can accept payment for the other. You will be called, the payment will be returned, and you will be asked to send payment to the proper company.

What happens to the deposit I paid NBW&L?
Any deposit you paid to North Branch, if not already refunded, will transfer to ECE. We will then use co-op policy to determine if your account deposit (plus accrued interest) will be returned as a credit on your account.

Is ECE my water and sewer provider too?
No, ECE will only provide electric. Please reach out to the City of North Branch for water and sewer questions. They can be reached at 651-674-7100.

What credit cards does ECE accept?
We accept Mastercard, Visa, and American Express. At this time, ECE does not accept Discover.

What about those of us with energy assistance?
The process should be relatively smooth and most of the work will be done behind the scenes. If you have an energy assistance credit on your account, NBW&L will refund the credit to the correct agency, which will then send the funds to ECE. There is nothing you need to do.

What about landlords and tenants?
We have a special page just for you!