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 - 6/1/2020
7/27/20 Update:
Attention: Masks or face coverings are now required when entering our facility, per Governor Walz' executive order. 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 will be 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 through the end of 2020. 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.
Cooperative Events
Beltrami Electric Cooperative's Indoor Garage Sale has been cancelled for 2020. Vendors who had registered may contact Cammie Vogel via email covgel@beltramielectric.com with any questions.
We regret to announce that GreenTouch Day at Lake Bemidji State Park originally scheduled for May 2nd has been cancelled.
Beltrami Electric's Power Plant Tour has been cancelled for 2020.
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
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.
We encourage local businesses affected to talk to your banker and apply for federal and state assistance program. If you are unsure of what you qualify for, reach out to Dave Hengel at Greater Bemidji. Dave and his staff will be able to assist you in understanding what is available and how to apply. Contact Dave Hengel at (218) 444-5757 or dhengel@greaterbemidji.com or visit www.greaterbemidji.com for more information.
Small Business Assistance
BELTRAMI COUNTY COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF FUND
This funding is part of the Coronavirus Aid. Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) monies allocated to the County through the directive of Governor Walz, who released $841 million of Federal CARES Act dollars to towns, cities and counties throughout Minnesota through Executive Order.
ELIGIBILITY
For-profit businesses needing financial assistance for COVID-related expenses already incurred or anticipated to be incurred by November 15, 2020.
FUNDING
Grant amounts will be based on the COVID-related expenses incurred-to-date and expected to be incurred by November 15, 2020 with a minimum award of $1,000 and a maximum award of $10,000.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
A simple application and certification form must be completed by Sunday, September 20, 2020 and submitted to Dave Hengel at dhelgel@greaterbemidji.com or Tiffany Fettig at tfettig@greaterbemidji.com. Application information can be found at www.greaterbemidji.com.
OUT OF WORK? Looking for a better job? The State of Minnesota will pay for online classes. Learn more.
Several state and federal programs have been built to assist small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Different programs make sense for different businesses, so contact DEED to help you determine which programs might be right for your situation.
If you have issues with your application, or questions about whether your business is eligible for a program, please contact DEED using the resources available on their website for the fastest and most accurate answers. In addition, programs passed by the federal government may not still available — please keep checking the federal program websites for updates.