What Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative does

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative founded in 1936–1937 and headquartered in Jordan, Minnesota. It distributes electricity directly to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural members across a nine-county service area in southern Minnesota (including Scott and Le Sueur counties), operating from its own substations, distribution lines, and smart metering infrastructure. Members are simultaneously customers and equity owners, with annual margins returned as Capital Credits ($1.94M retired in March 2026; $35.8M cumulative since 1959) and governance exercised through an elected nine-member Board of Directors.

MVEC's core technology stack centers on SmartHub, an online and mobile account-management platform that supports bill payment, daily/monthly energy-usage tracking, outage reporting, and text/email alerting. Load management is delivered through the Energy Wise program suite, which uses smart-metering infrastructure to cycle member appliances (water heaters, air conditioners, Wi-Fi thermostats) during peak demand in exchange for bill credits or discounted rates of 10–50% off General Service rates. A Nova Power Portal handles distributed-energy-resource interconnection applications for member-owned solar and wind systems, complemented by a Renewable Energy Certificate program. Outage management includes a real-time Live Outage Map integrated with 24/7 dispatch, and the Energy Store retails efficiency equipment such as Marathon water heaters with associated rebates. The cooperative runs a wholly-owned subsidiary, Carr's Tree Service, which provides vegetation management and ancillary services.

MVEC earns revenue primarily from regulated electricity sales under tariffs approved by its Board of Directors, with pricing tiered by customer class (residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial). Auxiliary revenue streams include Capital Credits retirement, ancillary fee income (e.g., $33 returned-payment penalties, deposits of approximately 2x average monthly bill or $265 for delinquent accounts), and subsidiary income. The product mix also includes a Wi-Fi Thermostat Program, an On-Site Generator Program for businesses offering 30%+ rate reductions, a broad residential rebate catalog, and economic-development services leveraging USDA Rural Economic Development loans. Direct-to-member distribution is executed without resellers, supplemented by a Key Account team for commercial/industrial/agricultural customers; member engagement is sustained through digital channels (newsletter, social media on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X), community programs (Operation Round Up has distributed over $2.6M since 1995; $30K in scholarships awarded to 20 students in 2026), and the annual D.C. Youth Tour.

Name

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative

Legal name

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative

Website

https://mvec.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1936

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative founded in 1936–1937 and headquartered in Jordan, Minnesota. It distributes electricity directly to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural members across a nine-county service area in southern Minnesota.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Cooperative Distribution

NAICS

Electric Power Distribution (221122), Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution (22112)

SIC

Electric Services (4911), Electric & Other Services Combined (4931)

akta.pro primary industry

Electric Cooperatives (Rural/Member-Owned Utilities) (EUADABAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Demand Response & Load Flexibility Services (EUAMAJAF), Distributed Generation (DG) Solar & Small Wind (EUAMAJAD)

Keywords

• Electric cooperative services
• Member-owned utility
• Load management programs
• Renewable energy interconnection
• Energy efficiency rebates

Headquarters

HQ city

Jordan

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Electric Utility Service: As a regulated electric cooperative, MVEC generates revenue through the sale of electricity to member-owners in its nine-county service area. Rates are set by the Board of Directors and cover operational costs, infrastructure maintenance, and power supply expenses. Revenue beyond expenses is returned to members as Capital Credits.
2. Capital Credits: As a not-for-profit cooperative, margins beyond expenses are allocated annually to member-owners based on electricity purchased, and retired (paid out) when the Board authorizes. In March 2026, approximately $1.94 million was distributed. Since 1959, $35.8 million has been returned to members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative that delivers electricity to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural members across a nine-county service area in Minnesota (including Le Sueur and Scott counties). The cooperative supplements distribution services with the SmartHub online account management platform, Energy Wise load management programs offering bill credits and rate discounts, renewable energy interconnection services, rebate programs, and community programs including Operation Round Up charitable giving.

Product overview

Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) operates as a not-for-profit electric utility serving members across multiple counties in Minnesota. The cooperative offers a unified suite of energy management products and services centered around its SmartHub account management platform and Energy Wise load management programs. SmartHub provides online bill payment, usage tracking, and outage reporting, while Energy Wise programs offer members up to 50% electric rate reductions for participating in load management during peak demand periods. The cooperative supports renewable energy adoption through solar and wind interconnection via the Nova Power Portal and Renewable Energy Certificate programs. Additional services include the Energy Store for Marathon water heaters and Dayton garage heaters, comprehensive outage management with 24/7 reporting capabilities, business programs with custom grants and on-site generator options, Operation Round Up community charitable giving, financial assistance programs, and youth education initiatives including scholarships and Washington D.C. Youth Tour. MVEC's product portfolio emphasizes member value through cooperative principles, offering tools for energy savings, outage management, and community support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SmartHub: Online account management tool for paying bills, tracking energy usage, and managing electric account.
• Operation Round Up
• Energy Wise
• Carr's Tree Service

Products and services

• SmartHub Account Management Platform Online and mobile platform enabling MVEC members to pay bills, track hourly/daily/monthly energy usage, report outages, receive text or email alerts, manage account preferences, and view past bills. Includes free Automatic Bill Pay and Recurring Credit Card Payments, and integrates with Budget Billing enrollment.
• Energy Wise Load Management Programs Load management programs (off-peak, peak shave) saving members 10-50% on electric rates in exchange for allowing controlled cycling of water heaters, air conditioners, and other equipment during peak demand. Includes metered (billing credit per kWh) and unmetered (discounted flat rate) participation for residential and small commercial members.
• Outage Center and Live Outage Map Comprehensive outage management system including a live outage map showing affected locations and restoration status, 24/7 outage reporting via phone and text, outage restoration process information, and safety guidance for scenarios including downed power lines, vehicle accidents, and weather emergencies.
• Renewable Energy Interconnection Programs Programs supporting member-owned solar and wind generation including interconnection application management, Renewable Energy Certificate purchase options for consumption offset, and cogeneration policy compliance assistance.
• Nova Power Portal Interconnection Platform Web-based portal for managing distributed energy resource interconnection applications including solar and wind systems, used to learn about installation requirements and track application status through to approval.
• MVEC Energy Store Retail store selling Marathon water heaters (85- and 100-gallon units with lifetime tank warranty) and Dayton garage heaters, with associated rebates available when enrolled in Energy Wise load management programs.
• Payment Programs Multiple payment and billing options for MVEC members including free Automatic Bill Pay (bank or credit/debit), free Recurring Credit Card Payments, Prepaid Billing (pay-as-you-go power with no fees or deposits), Budget Billing (12-month usage average), and one-time online payments via SmartHub.
• Residential and Business Rebate Programs Residential and business rebate programs offering financial incentives for ENERGY STAR appliances, air source heat pumps ($500), ground source heat pumps ($200/ton up to 5 tons), ductless mini splits ($300), air conditioners ($100), water heaters from MVEC ($600), Wi-Fi thermostats ($50), EV chargers ($150/port), and outdoor electric equipment (up to $200).
• Business Member Programs Comprehensive services for commercial, industrial, and agricultural members including Key Account team support, custom energy grants, lighting and HVAC rebates, agriculture programs (dairy, ventilation, irrigation), on-site generator program with 30%+ rate savings, and solar/wind interconnection assistance.
• On-Site Generator Program Commercial, industrial, and agricultural generator program reducing electric rates by 30% or more while providing backup power. Peak Alert load management remotely switches facilities from utility power to on-site generator during peak demand events.
• Economic Development Services Economic development support for businesses in MVEC's territory including USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program pass-through (up to 50% loan coverage at 0% interest), Express Energy Design Assistance Portal access, energy audits, infrared testing, and power quality monitoring.
• Operation Round Up Program Community charitable program rounding up member bills to the nearest dollar, with proceeds administered by the Minnesota Valley Electric Trust and distributed to local fire departments, women's shelters, youth programs, food shelves, and social services. Since 1995, over $2.6 million has been distributed.
• Vegetation Management and Tree Services Vegetation management program maintaining 15-20 foot corridors around power lines with five-year trim cycles, tree removal for fast-growing species under primary wires, and subsidiary Carr's Tree Service providing property tree trimming, removal, lot clearing, brush mowing, aerial bucket services, stump removal, and plant health care for MVEC members.
• Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) Renewable Energy Certificate program allowing members to offset electricity consumption by purchasing REC blocks in 100 kWh increments: Wind RECs at $0.50 per block or Combined Renewable RECs at $0.10 per block.
• Financial Assistance Programs Payment and disconnection assistance including Cold Weather Rule protection (October 1 - April 30), Extreme Heat Law protections, Military Disconnection Protection, payment arrangement plans, and referrals to Minnesota Energy Assistance Programs and community action agencies.
• Wi-Fi Thermostat Program Smart thermostat program offering $50 rebate on qualifying Wi-Fi thermostats, a 10% bill discount during June-September cooling season, automatic temperature adjustments during peak demand events, and real-time energy monitoring through the GreaterGrid platform.
• Capital Credits Program Not-for-profit cooperative program returning margins to member-owners based on electricity purchases, with Board-approved annual retirements. $1.94 million was distributed in March 2026; $35.8 million has been returned to members since 1959.

Quantifiable outcome

• Capital Credits returned: $35.8 million to members since 1959; $1.94 million distributed March 2026
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• Carr's Tree ServicecoreOthersSubsidiary tree service company of MVEC providing professional tree trimming, removal, lot clearing, brush mowing, aerial bucket services, stump removal, and plant health care (including Emerald Ash Borer treatment). Offers FREE estimates for MVEC members. Contact: 888-470-3355.
• Nova Power PortalcoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital interconnection platform used by MVEC to help members learn about and apply for solar/wind system installations, access interconnection requirements, and track application status.
• Basin Electric Power CooperativecoreOthersWholesale power provider for MVEC; offers $2,500 academic scholarship for deserving MVEC member-students; involved in power supply contracts including SMEC load agreement.
• National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational service organization for electric cooperatives; coordinates annual Youth Tour to Washington D.C. with over 1,800 students participating; provides advocacy, training, and resources for MVEC and other co-ops.
• Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerState association representing electric cooperatives in Minnesota; coordinates state-level Youth Tour activities and provides cooperative support services.
• Touchstone Energy CooperativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational brand cooperative alliance; provides cooperative identity, branding resources, and cross-cooperative collaboration opportunities.
• Great River EnergycoreTechnology or IntegrationPower supplier referenced for QI-certified contractor listings for heat pump installations; provides Express Energy Design Assistance Portal for building projects; involved in Energy Transition Roadmap planning.
• CAP AgencyminorOthersCommunity Action Partnership Agency manages the Reach Out for Warmth program assisting individuals with heating emergencies; MVEC members can designate donations through the Gift of Electricity program.
• Minnesota Valley Electric Trust (Operation Round Up)coreOthersTax-exempt, nonprofit corporation administering Operation Round Up funds; governed by nine-person volunteer Board of Directors separate from MVEC; benefits local fire departments, shelters, youth programs, food shelves, and social services.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Basin Electric Power Cooperative: Wholesale generation and transmission cooperative that supplies MVEC and ~140 other member cooperatives across the Upper Midwest. Compares as the upstream scale incumbent on whose power supply MVEC depends.
• Xcel Energy: Investor-owned utility operating across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Comparable as the dominant incumbent in adjacent Minnesota service territories, competing for large C&I customers and setting benchmark rates and renewable program expectations.

Direct peers

• Pedernales Electric Cooperative: One of the largest electric cooperatives in the U.S., serving central Texas. Direct peer in cooperative governance, Capital Credits, large distribution footprint, and member-driven programs — but at much larger scale than MVEC.
• Dakota Electric Association: Member-owned electric cooperative serving Dakota County and parts of the south metro. Comparable cooperative structure, distribution-only model, residential rebates, and community-giving programs (Operation Round Up equivalent).
• Connexus Energy: Minnesota's largest electric cooperative serving the north metro and surrounding counties. Direct peer sharing the same member-owned cooperative model, AMI platforms, and residential/commercial programs (rebates, load management, EVs) within Minnesota.
• Cobb EMC: Georgia member-owned electric cooperative serving Cobb and surrounding counties. Comparable cooperative structure, smart metering, demand response/Energy Wise-style programs, and community impact programs (Operation Round Up equivalent).
• Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric: Minnesota electric cooperative serving Steele and Waseca counties. Direct rural-utility peer with similar member-owned model, rebate programs, Capital Credits retirements, and Basin Electric wholesale supply relationship.

Others

• Great River Energy: Generation and transmission cooperative providing wholesale power, Energy Transition Roadmap planning, and QI-certified contractor networks to 28 member co-ops including MVEC. Comparable as both a wholesale partner and a peer G&T cooperative.
• Touchstone Energy Cooperatives: National brand alliance of 750+ member-owned electric cooperatives including MVEC. Comparable as an enabling network that provides shared branding, marketing, and member-service resources across the cooperative ecosystem.
• National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA): National service organization representing 900+ electric cooperatives. Comparable as the industry association providing advocacy, training, Youth Tour coordination, and shared services to MVEC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/_MVEC_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MinnValleyElectric
• Facebookfacebook.com/minnesotavalleyelectriccooperative
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/minnesota-valley-electric-coop
• Instagraminstagram.com/minnesota_valley_electric_coop

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative