News > Important COVID-19 Updates

Important COVID-19 Updates

June 1, 2020

Stearns Electric Association is taking action to continue to provide your essential electric service, protect the health and safety of our employees and member-consumers, and help our members who may be facing financial hardship.

Your Electric Bill

We have waived late payment penalties for all of our members during this pandemic through the month of June. Please keep in mind that you are still responsible for paying your electric bill during the pandemic.

We encourage you to stay as up to date with your payments as possible to avoid building up a large balance that will be harder to pay off later. We will allow members extra time to pay if needed. We are here to help you during this difficult time, please do not avoid communication with us. Contact us at (800) 962-0655 so we can work with you to develop a payment plan.

Low income funds may be available. We work closely with agencies that have additional funds made available due to COVID-19. Call us and we will get you the information you need on potential funds.

Site Visits, Maintenance and Construction

To ensure reliable service, field crews will continue to construct and maintain our electric facilities and equipment, but with no direct member contact and no inside work unless it’s an emergency.

Should an emergency arise where it is necessary for Stearns Electric Association to visit your home, farm or business, we will follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All employees and contractors are advised to follow social distancing guidelines.

Please maintain a safe distance if you see a crew at work and please stay at least 6 feet away from employees.

Business Resources

The Small Business Administration has grants and low-interest loans available for Minnesota small businesses and private nonprofits affected by COVID-19. For information, visit the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) website.

Visit the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) site for information and resources for workers, employers and businesses.

Stearns Electric Association is committed to keeping your electric service safe and reliable, and we stand ready to respond in an emergency. Our offices are currently closed to the public, but we are available by phone at (800) 962-0655 during regular business hours. Mail payments to: Stearns Electric Association, PO Box 40, Melrose, MN 56352.

Follow us on our website, www.stearnselectric.org and on Facebook for timely information about how we’re responding to the coronavirus pandemic.