As our nation continues to battle the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we feel it is important to let you know that McLeod Co-op Power is continuing to take proactive steps to ensure our employees stay healthy and electric service remains safe and reliable. The Co-op’s emergency plans have allowed us to respond quickly to this situation.
Many of our employees are now doing their jobs remotely using modern technologies. This decision was made to minimize any possibilities for our employees becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus. We are focused on maintaining a healthy workforce to continue providing the service you need from us.
This starts with having our crews available for power outage restoration. Likewise, our member service representatives will be ready to help if you have questions or need assistance. We have suspended many of our non-essential out-of-office services; however, your electrical service will continue to be our highest priority during this national crisis.
- We have staffing plans in place to ensure dispatchers, line workers, member service representatives and our other employees continue delivering our critical services.
- The office is temporarily closed to walk-in traffic. Payments can be made by mail, bank draft, or put in the secure 24-hour drop box at the office entrance. Card payments will be accepted over the phone during normal business hours. Our member service representatives can assist with payments.
- We have temporarily waived convenience fees for credit/debit card payments and service disconnections to any residential customers due to this pandemic. Members having difficulty paying their bill should contact us to set up a payment plan.
- McLeod Coop Power has temporarily suspended disconnecting electric service and late payment fees to support our members during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s important to note that these disconnect suspensions are not bill waivers. Members are still responsible for their bills as they would be under Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule. Members need to contact us to set-up a reasonable payment plan that includes paying at least a portion of their bill. The payment plan can be designed based on the financial circumstances of the customer and the hardships caused by the pandemic. Setting up and following a payment plan will extend you the same protections under Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule. Taking this simple step will keep your account out of delinquent status and help avoid a large multi-month balance when the pandemic is over. (updated 4.2.20)
- Check the Co-op’s website www.mcleodcoop.com or our Facebook page for regular updates.
- We have postponed our Annual Meeting that was scheduled for April 14th. The meeting will be rescheduled as soon as it is practical, based on the status of the virus and future CDC guidelines for hosting public events. Ballots for director elections and bylaw voting will be mailed after the meeting has been rescheduled. Members will receive direct notification of the rescheduled date for the Annual Meeting when that decision is made.
- The MCPA’s Board of Directors has tentatively rescheduled the Annual meeting for Tuesday, June 16th at the Hutchinson Event Center. Members will be notified once it is confirmed that the event can be held in compliance with CDC recommended event gatherings. Official notice will be mailed to members when a date is finalized. MCPA must attain attendance of the required quorum of 50 members for its annual meeting, however, there will be major changes to the event to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The meeting will consist of only a brief business meeting to comply with bylaw required actions. It will not include a meal or refreshments. There will be no exhibitor booths or entertainment. The program will not include speeches or non-essential presentations. Specific sanitation and safe-distance seating measures will be utilized. It is the Co-op’s desire to complete the required meeting with the minimum possible risk to attendees and employees. Once the date is confirmed, election and bylaw ballots will be mailed to members a few weeks before the rescheduled annual meeting. Members are encouraged to return their ballots by mail using the postage-paid return envelope. (update from 4.2.20)
Our members should be on the lookout for suspicious emails, phone calls, or persons impersonating business employees or charitable organizations. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of opportunities such as this when households are otherwise preoccupied. If you get a call from someone claiming to represent McLeod Co-op Power, and they make threats or demand immediate payment, hang up and call McLeod Co-op Power directly at 320-864-3148 or 1-800-494-6272.
Please rest assured that your team at McLeod Co-op Power is committed to delivering your electricity. We take this responsibility very seriously. Thank you for your patience during these unprecedented times.
Carrie Buckley
General Manager
