COVID-19 / CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
As a provider of critical power infrastructure, we need to be able to keep the lights on. The safety of our employees, members and community is our top priority while continuing to provide safe, reliable electricity. Our office remains open, however we ask that guests follow Governor Walz's executive order mandating the wearing of face masks/coverings when visiting our facility as well as adhering to social distancing protocols.
For members that prefer to do business remotely, please contact us by calling (218) 444-2540 or (800) 955-6083 or emailing us at info@beltramielectric.com with questions as many of our services can be completed electronically.
Operations Update
Our Lobby is Open for Business
Attention: Masks or face coverings are now required when entering our facility, per Governor Walz' executive order 20-81. Please help us comply with this mandate by wearing a mask/face covering. Visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing and follow floor signage.
Beltrami Electric Cooperative is open for business. We are taking special measures to protect all visitors and employees as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Hours of operation are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
We're continuing to closely monitor the latest developments regarding COVID-19 and following recommendations from local and state officials, including the CDC.
We're Taking Extra Precautions:
- We have installed clear acrylic sneeze guards at our front counter
- We have added social distancing markers to our lobby floors to help keep visitor at least 6 feet apart
- We have enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout our offices
- We are requiring employees who interact with members to wash or sanitize hands frequently
- We have provided face masks, gloves and sanitizing products to our employees
For members who wish to prefer to do business remotely, give us a call at (218) 444-2540 or (800) 955-6083 or email us at info@beltramielectric.com. Our Member Services Department is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. as many of our services can be completed electronically.
We thank you for your continued patience while we work through these new protocols.
Operations
Line crew personnel are working on new service construction, maintenance work and annual line inspections in the following townships: Guthrie, Hagali, and Roosevelt. Crews will be in BEC pickups, and will be inspecting overhead equipment, padmount transformers (that green box in your yard), as well as reading meters at locations. We ask that members please practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from crews.
Roger Spiry Community Room
In March, we closed our Community Room to the public and we have extended this closure until further notice. We appreciate your understanding during this time.
Account Management During COVID-19
We are encouraging everyone to stay as up-to-date on their payments as possible, however we understand that there may be circumstances now impacting your ability to pay due to COVID-19. We are working with members by arranging payment plans and can help direct you to assistance that may be available. Members can manage their account online through SmartHub, including view/pay your bill, monitor your energy use, report an outage, submit a service request and more.
COVID-19/Coronavirus Resources
For the latest news and updates on COVID-19/Coronavirus, visit one of these trusted resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MN Department of Health
The COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program is now closed (as of 12/8/20) and no longer accepting applications. To follow up on your account or application, please click the link below.
Stop Scams - Know the Signs
Beware the coming coronavirus scam tsunami. Visit FRAUD.ORG to learn about the most common types of scams out there as well as what you can do to protect yourself. Robocalls and stimulus check scams are two forms of fraud expected to increase due to coronavirus.
Small Business Assistance
BELTRAMI COUNTY COVID RELIEF GRANTS
COVID Relief Grant Applications are due by January 22, 2021 (5:00 pm)
Per the COVID Relief Bill signed by Governor Walz on December 16, 2020, Beltrami County is being awarded $908,000 to provide grants to local businesses and non-profits impacted by the current pandemic. Greater Bemidji, Inc. is administering the grants on behalf of the County. Applications will be evaluated primarily on Revenue Decline from 2019 to 2020. However, data will be collected on several other factors that may influence the award amount such as Net Profit (Loss) comparison from 2019 to 2020, COVID Relief funding to-date, business sector and employee count.
GRANT ELIGIBILITY
Maximum grant amount per legal business/non-profit entity is targeted at $25,000 or up to 3% of 2019 revenue, whichever is less; however, award amounts may be altered dependent on number of eligible applications.
- Businesses and non-profits must be located in Beltrami County.
- Businesses must have no tax liens as of date of application.
- Businesses must be registered with the MN Secretary of State –Active & in Good-Standing.
- Business must demonstrate a decline in revenue from 2019 to 2020.
- New businesses may apply and will be evaluated based on annualized income and demonstrated pandemic impact.
- Businesses with physical storefronts and employees will be given priority over self-employed and home-based businesses.
- Tribal-owned businesses are eligible given that the business has voluntarily compiled with the Executive Order 20-99 (Nov 18, 2020).
- Non-profit organizations that have business-like revenue sources are eligible, (i.e. product/service sales, ticket sales, membership fees). This income must make up at least 51% of their total revenue.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 22, 2021 (5:00 pm)
NOTE: Should you need any assistance in filling out the application and/or forms, please contact Tiffany Fettig at tfettig@greaterbemidji.com or 218-760-0854.
