As a member you are a part owner of Brown County Rural Electrical Association and you have a say in how the cooperative is run.
View our member handbook, Articles of Incorporation, and By-Laws below.
New Member Handbook Articles of Incorporation & By-Laws Service Agreement
If you see a downed power line, stay away from it, and call 911 or the co-op at (800) 658-2368 to report it immediately. Always assume downed power lines are energized and never drive near or over them. When severe weather causes widespread damage, sometimes outages can be extended. Great River Energy (GRE) and Brown County REA work hard to restore your power quickly and safely. First, we remove any threats to public safety and then following established priorities for making repairs that will restore the most cooperative members first.
To learn more and watch a video about the steps electric cooperatives take to restore power click the link below to learn more.
If you're starting a new project here are 5 steps for safe digging:
- Notify: Call 811 or make a request online 2 - 3 days before you plan to start your project.
- Wait: Wait 2 - 3 days for a response to your request.
- Confirm: Confirm that all affected utilities have responded by comparing the markers to the list of utilities the 811 call center notified.
- Respect: Respect the markers and use them as a guide for the duration of your project.
- Dig Carefully: If you can't avoid digging near the provided markers, consider moving your project.
Click the link below to learn more about 811 or to submit an online request.
Sign Up For ACH For A Chance To Win Bill Credits
Sign up to have your electric bill automatically withdrawn from a checking or savings account monthly for a chance to win a bill credit.
Enroll before August 29, 2022 using the link below.
Members already enrolled in the program are automatically entered into the drawing.
Heartland Security is owned by your local electric cooperative. They design and install security systems to protect your home, family, and valuables. The alarm systems are monitored by highly skilled and certified professionals. Heartland Security offers an easy to use Personal Emergency Reporting System (PERS) if you or a loved one is worried about a medical condition or emergency happening at home.
Click the link below to be directed to Heartland Security's homepage for more information or call them at (888) 264-6380.
Thinking about replacing your aging heating and cooling system with a more energy efficient furnace or an air source heat pump? Or is your refrigerator failing to keep up? Not only can you save energy and money when you replace with more efficient equipment, you may be eligible for Brown County REA rebates if you purchase Energy Star products.
Click the link below to learn more about the rebates available.
Don't Let A Heat Wave Spike Your Electric Bill
As a heat wave makes its way across Minnesota this week, Brown County REA offers members these tips to stay cool at home without running up the electric bill.
Times when people are using more electricity all at one - in this instance to stay cool - are called "peak hours." The cost to provide power ends up being higher due to increased demand.
Here are a few easy ways to conserve energy to benefit yourself and your neighbors:
- Adjust your thermostat by raising it a few degrees during the day
- Use ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect to make air feel cooler to the skin
- Pull drapes/shades on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun
- Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
- Run large appliances at night (e.g., dishwashers, laundry machines)
Remember to keep your body cool, too, by drinking plenty of water.