Dakota Electric Association

On April 5, 1937, bylaws and articles of incorporation were adopted and Dakota County Electric Cooperative was formed by a group of forward-thinking farmers, with the help of the Rural Electric Association. On Monday, Feb. 21, 1938, the lights came on in rural Dakota County. At that time, Dakota County Electric Cooperative covered 240 miles and served 800 members.

In July 1969, Dakota County Electric Cooperative was renamed to what is known today as Dakota Electric Association. Dakota Electric has grown considerably since its humble beginnings, now covering 507 square miles and serving more than 110,000 members. Dakota Electric, which serves the southern suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul, is one of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in the nation.