Best in the Midwest

At Connexus Energy, we work for you. Member satisfaction is the key measure of our success. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for putting us on top.

In 2019, Connexus was rated #1 in overall customer satisfaction in the Midwest by J.D. Power (compared to a peer group of 34 Midwest utilities). This includes top marks for our power reliability (fewer outages for members) and the price members pay for their electricity (three years in a row with no rate increase). In 2020, we are committed to doing all we can to stay on top and to remain the best in the Midwest.

Connexus top 3 of 2019

1. No rate increase for last three years. Connexus residential rates are 4% less than Xcel Energy.
2. Rated #1 in overall customer satisfaction.
3. Our grid scale battery storage technology received national recognition.

FREE, FREE is back!

Gear up for the warmer months ahead by taking advantage of the Wi-Fi PowerNap® Air Conditioning program. Not only are we offering a FREE Wi-Fi Honeywell thermostat, you also get FREE installation. Plus, you’ll get $30 off your summer bills ($10 every June, July, and August). Get more information at connexusenergy.com.

More $ for your favorite charity

We’ve upped the donation amount for the Your Community, Your Choice program in 2020. With this community program, you have the opportunity to help your favorite local non-profit organization get a $1,500 donation from Connexus Energy. That’s up from the $1,000 in previous years. Go to connexusenergy.com, or our Facebook page, for more information and submit your community group of choice.

Recent donation recipients include:

• Centennial Food Shelf
• Alexandra House
• Jack’s Basket

Energy efficiency tip of the month

Looking for an easy way to make your home cozier? Try using an area rug to increase the insulation levels of your floors. Area rugs are stylish and can keep cool air from entering through your floors. Your toes will thank you!

Co-op cuisine

Bacon & cream cheese roll-ups

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf of white bread, crusts trimmed
• 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
• 1 lb sliced bacon, cut in half

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut each slice of white bread in half horizontally. Spread with cream cheese. Tightly roll each piece of bread with half a piece of bacon. The bacon should be on the outside of the bread. Secure with toothpicks.
Arrange roll ups in a single layer on a medium baking dish. Bake in preheated oven 30 minutes, or until bacon is no longer pink and bread is lightly browned. Serve warm.

Community calendar

Driver Improvement Program 55+
March 13 – CANCELLED
April 3 & 30 – CANCELLED
To pre-register, call 1.888.234.1294
Sponsored by St. Cloud State University
Held at Connexus Energy

Connexus Energy Annual Meeting
April 16, 4:00 p.m.
Held at Connexus Energy

$8.3 million Cash Back to members

It’s Cash Back time! In 2018 we are giving $8.3 million back to our members. If you are getting Cash Back, you will find your credit included on page 2 of this month’s electric bill.

What’s Cash Back?

Connexus Energy is YOUR electric cooperative. As a cooperative, we operate for the benefit of everyone using our system. When you move into a home or establish a business in Connexus’ service area, you become a member of our cooperative. Cash Back is distributed annually based on the amount of electricity you use. It’s just one of the advantages of being our member. Moreover, it’s what sets us apart from other utilities.

Cash Back for former members

Thousands of former Connexus Energy members have unclaimed Cash Back waiting for them. Perhaps it’s you or you know one of them? It’s easy to check out.

Go to connexusenergy.com and click on the letter of the last name.

Board Vacancy Appointment – District 3

The Connexus Energy Board of Directors is accepting director candidate applications for a future vacancy in Director District 3. Members interested in being considered for an interview with the Board for this appointment should contact Tamara Gregory at tamara.gregory@connexusenergy.com or Kim Vredenburg at kim.vredenburg@connexusenergy.com. Director applications are due by September 7.

Your Community. Your Choice.

Stable Pathways from Oak Grove is the most recent recipient of a $1,000 donation through our “Your community. Your choice.” program. With this Facebook-based program, you choose which local organizations receive our support.

Freedom to be cool

A Wi-Fi thermostat puts you in control. You stay in control of all your air conditioning needs from any where at any time. And, you also have the freedom to choose which energy savings events you participate in throughout the summer.

This freedom doesn’t come at a price. It’s FREE. You can take advantage of our free Wi-Fi thermostat offer when you sign up for our Wi-Fi PowerNap® air conditioning program. Also, check out a special discount offer on the Lyric Round. For more information go to connexusenergy.com.

Co-op cuisine

Frito’s Corn Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 (15 oz) cans whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (10.5 oz) bag coarsely crushed Chili Cheese Frito’s corn chips

Preparation:

In a large bowl, toss together corn, cheese, red pepper and green onion. Stir in sour cream and mayonnaise. Stir in corn chips just before serving. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serves 8.

A greener future

It’s the greening of the electric grid. Today, more than 20% of the power you receive from Connexus Energy comes from renewable energy. That number continues to climb as more solar, wind, and other renewables are added to today’s power portfolio. If you want 100% renewable energy at your home or business, we have programs to help you achieve your green goals. Visit us at connexusenergy.com for more information.

Welcome back bees

It’s a sweet sign of spring as Connexus welcomes back the bees to our community solar garden. Our successful partnership with Bolton Bees continues. If you are interested in touring our bee apiary, we will be hosting a free event for our members during Pollinator Week in June. If you are a SolarWise subscriber, your free jar of honey will once again be available later this fall. Watch for more details on our website.

Why Wi-Fi thermostats?

If you’re still wondering what makes Wi-Fi thermostats special from ordinary thermostats, here are three reasons that may help you make the switch.

1. Control from anywhere. A Wi-Fi thermostat can help you control your home temperature from anywhere. It makes your life very easy.
2. Smart device compatibility. Use your laptop, pc, tablet, phone, etc., to control your thermostat. You’re already familiar with those devices, and the applications for the Wi-Fi thermostats are very user-friendly.
3. More savings. Wi-Fi thermostats give you more control which ultimately results in more energy savings. With Honeywell Wi-Fi thermostats, an average family can save around $110 per year on their energy bills.

There is still time to get in on our FREE Wi-Fi thermostat offer, as well as a special discount offer on the Lyric Round. Get all the details.

Sign up for outage alerts

We know power outages can be disruptive. Our team works hard to prevent them, but they can still happen now and again. That is why we offer text and email alerts to let you know when your power is out and when you can expect it to be restored. Before you sign up, you first need to register your account online.

We all pay for energy theft

Stealing electricity is dangerous, against the law, and ultimately costs all our members. It is illegal to tamper with electric service or reconnect it. Protect yourself and others by reporting anyone tapping into a line, bypassing a meter, or tampering with equipment to our Member Services at 763.323.2650. You will remain anonymous and any information you report will be confidential.

Why we ask for your SSN

When you call to get any information about your Connexus Energy account, we ask for your social security number. Specifically, we use the last four digits for identification. If you are the primary account holder, you must make special arrangements for others, including your spouse, to access your account information. These requirements are in place to protect you from identity theft.

Co-Op Cuisine

Tamale Pie

Ingredients:
½ cup cornmeal
⅔ cup flour
3 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
3-4 Tbsp oil
⅓ cup milk
1 egg
1 – 4.5 ounce can diced green chilies
1 can whole corn – drained
1 lb ground beef
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 ¼ cup enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 9×13 baking pan.
Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add oil until soft crumbles form. Whisk in milk and egg. Fold in chilies and corn. Pour into baking pan. Bake about 20-25 minutes. Toothpick should come out clean.
While cornbread is baking, combine beef with spices and sauté over medium heat until fully cooked, drain and set aside.
Once cornbread is done, reduce oven to 350 degrees. Poke holes in cornbread with a fork and pour enchilada sauce over it. Top with ground beef and shredded cheese. Cover with aluminum foil, bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake until cheese begins to brown, 5-10 minutes.

Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, lime wedges