ComplaintsforDakota Electric Association

• Initial Complaint

  06/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The electricity to my residence was cut off due to $230 in an unpaid electrical bill. I recently had to make a cell phone number change due to my former employer retaining my old phone number. When I received a new phone number, I made changes to all of my utility providers by updating the new phone number in their systems via their online portals. When I called Dakota Electric and asked why they cut off my service and didn't even bother to call me, I was informed that they do not get the updated information from their online portal. I was also told now that not only do I need to pay the small $230 unpaid bill but that they will also be tacking on not only a disconnect and reconnect service fee, but they are also requiring a $250 deposit that they will hold onto for a year. I asked what they are going to pay me for interest on my money they plan to withhold. I agreed they could hold onto it, but I would require a 6% APR, compounded monthly, on my money otheriwse I will leave my money in better investment portfolios. Their supervisor representative laughed and said they will not do so, then I asked why I would let them hold onto my money for? I have had Dakota Electric for 25 years and for them to cancel my electric over a $230 unpaid bill is hysterical but at the same time inconvenient. I have paid this company over $50K in the last 25 years and they cancel my service over a $230 bill? If they would have their online system communicating with their customer service team, this issue wouldn't have occurred. Now they want me to give them $500 to reconnect my power. I'm also worry about the power surges on my appliances and devices. I am hesitant to pay but I have not much choice since it is a monopoly on who will provide power in the *****************. I'm requesting my $250 either be immediately refunded to me or pay me the monthly interest fees at 6% for withholding my money.

  Business response

  06/28/2023

  Dakota Electric Association is in receipt of Mr. ******** complaint.  However, due to the nature of the complaint, Dakota Electric Association is unable to address the complaint via the Better Business Bureau.  Any response to the complaint would have to include personal account information.  Due to the private nature of such information and how the Better Business Bureau publishes complaints/responses, we are unable to respond using this forum.

  
  Dakota Electric Association is regulated by the ******************************************.  ************** provides a confidential complaint process that will keep any member information private.  If ****************** would like to file a complaint via the *************************************, Dakota Electric Association will respond.  Complaints can be filled via their website at ******************.

• Initial Complaint

  02/19/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Canceled my Electricity at primary residence twice cause I was able to make payment. They new my situation the second time and did it again, even after I told them I will get the money soon. And its supposedly a ************************* I estimate a few hundred dollars of the only food I had was destroyed. customer service is awful, almost in humane. I had my mother try to call and pay my bill twice so I could get power turned back on, and they refused to assist. UNACCEPTABLE

  Business response

  02/20/2023

  Dakota Electric Association is in receipt of ************************ complaint.  However, due to the nature of the complaint, Dakota Electric Association is unable to address the complaint via the Better Business Bureau.  Any response to the complaint would have to include personal account information.  Due to the private nature of such information and how the Better Business Bureau publishes complaints/responses, we are unable to respond using this forum.

  
  Dakota Electric Association is regulated by the *******************************************.  ************** provides a confidential complaint process that will keep any member information private.  If ******************** would like to file a complaint via the *************************************, Dakota Electric Association will respond.  Complaints can be filled via their website at ******************.

  Customer response

  02/20/2023

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩