VDPU - Customer Service

Stop by our office at 618 2nd Street South Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. and ask for Customer Service and complete an Application for Service. If you are a renter, a deposit (see Customer Policies Section for more information on Deposits) will be required or a signed guarantee by the property owner.

We will need to know the address of the location you are moving into, as well as the move in date. You will receive current rate information as well as information on recycling.

Application for Service (rev. 11/07)

How to submit readings

In the event that you were not at home at the time our Meter Readers attempted to read your meter, you can submit your readings to the Virginia Department of Public Utilities using one of the following methods.

By Phone

Call Virginia Department of Public Utilities at 218-748-6650. After the prerecorded message leave your name, address, account number, and meter reading (s).

By Email

Send your name, address, account number, and meter reading (s) to billing1@vpuc.com.

In Person

Stop by Virginia Department of Public Utilities at 618 2nd Street South and place your completed Meter Reading Card in the box in the lobby.

Customer Policies

Click here to review customer policies.

Rates

Rate Brochure - effective 1/01/08

Fees

Assessments - effective 1/01/05

Service Fees - effective 10/15/04

Labor & Equipment Rates - effective 1/01/07

Fines & Penalties - effective 10/15/04

Utility Fee Schedule

Payment Options

Bills are mailed out on approximately the 1st of every month. Payments are due the 20th of each month!

Payment by Mail

Mail your check or money order in the supplied envelope to

Virginia Department of Public Utilities

P.O. Box 1048

Virginia, MN 55792

Payment by Direct Payment Authorization

Eliminate the need to write out checks each month. Simply print out and complete the Direct Payment Authorization form, attach a voided check or deposit form, and either drop it off or mail it. It will start with your next bill!

Direct Payment Authorization Form

Payment by Master Card/Visa

When mailing in your bill stub, complete the section indicated for credit card payment. Be sure and include your complete credit card account number, expiration date, and sign in the spot indicated.

Payment at Super One North (formerly Festival Foods) Drop Box

A drop box is located at the Super One at 601 4th Street North

Payment at Virginia banks

For your convenience, payments can be made at the following banks:

Northern State Bank of Virginia	600 Chestnut Street
Queen City Federal Savings Bank	501 Chestnut Street
US Bank	230 1st Street South
Wells Fargo Bank	401 Chestnut Street

Payment in after-hours Drop Box

Payments can be made after-hours by using our convenient drop box. For your protection, do not make cash payments using the drop box and always include your bill stub.

Payment in Person

Please bring in your entire bill. We will stamp the lower portion PAID and return it to you.

Equal Payment Plan

The Virginia Department of Public Utilities offers an Equal Payment Plan to help customers even out their monthly utility bills. During April of each year, you can sign up for this Plan.

The Equal Payment Plan will average your bills based on prior usage for the previous twelve (12) month period - (i.e. April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007).

Who can sign up:

Residential property owners with service established for at least twelve (12) months prior
Residential property owners with account current - all bills paid in full prior to application

How it works:

Complete the application form and mail or bring in to DPU business office
Sign up by the April deadline each year.
Your Equal Payment amount may be recalculated at any time due to drastic changes in consumption or overall rate changes – you will receive notification if your payment changes once you have signed up for this Plan
The first Equal Payment amount will be due on June 20th.
The last payment of the Plan Year will be due on May 20th and will be for any remaining balance due.

Your bill will show:

Your exact meter readings
Your exact charges for your utilities
The amount normally due
The Equal Payment amount due shown on your statement as the “Please Pay” amount

How to stop:

You may cancel at any time by notifying the Utility in writing
Non-payment of account by the regular due date will also result in removal from the program

Questions: Contact our Public Relations Supervisor at (218) 748-2113 or call our Business Office at 748-7540.

CLICK HERE for Equal Payment Plan Form!

Service Area Map

Click here to see Service Area Map.

Tips for energy conservation and reducing your bill

Energy Calculator

These are general system averages for the appliance listed below. These are calculated using a rate of .065 per KWH (see our current Rate Brochure – our rates are slightly below this amount).

Appliance	Cost of Electricity	Cost per
Air Conditioner - Room	.08	Hour
Air Conditioner – Central (3 Ton)	.34	Hour
Blender	.03	Hour
Broiler	.09	Hour
Clock	.10	Month
Clothes Dryer – Electric	.23	Load
Clothes Dryer – Gas	.07	Load
Clothes Washer	.02	Load
Crock Pot	.01	Hour
Coffee Maker – Drip	.01	Pot
Computer w/monitor	.01	Hour
Dishwasher	.07	Load
Electric Blanket	.01	Hour
Fan – Window	.01	Hour
Fan – Ceiling	.01	Hour
Food Processor (50V)	.02	Hour
Freezer – Frostless (16CF)	.38	Day
Hair Dryer	.03	Hour
Heater – Portable	.08	Hour
Heating Pad	.01	Hour
Iron – Hand	.07	Hour
Lights – Christmas (100 lights, 7.5 W)	.05	Hour
Lighting – (100 WATTS)	.01	Hour
Microwave Oven	.10	Hour
Nintendo/Playstation	.01	Hour
Pool Pump (1.5 HP)	.10	Hour
Range with Oven	.21	Day
Self-Cleaning Oven	.33	Clean
Fridge-Auto/Top Freezer	.32	Day
Fridge-Auto/Side-by-side	.37	Hour
Sewing Machine	.01	Hour
Stereo System	.01	Hour
Television – Color	.01	Hour
Toaster	.03	Use
Toaster Oven	.10	Use
Vacuum Cleaner	.04	Hour
Water Heater	.86	Day

Did you know...

A dripping faucet or fixture can waste 3 gallons of water a day...a total of 1095 gallons a year.

Conserving Energy

Turn down the thermostat on your water heater to 120ºF and insulate the water heater tank.

Keep your heating and cooling systems in tip-top shape. They run more efficiently and last longer.

When buying a new appliance, look for the most energy efficient in your price range.

Turn off the lights as you leave the room.

Use natural sunlight to light your home and warm up a room in the winter. In summer, use shades or drapes to keep your rooms cool.

Conserving Water

	Install a shower flow controller. It reduces the flow of water without diminishing the shower spray.
	Fix leaky faucets and running toilets quickly. Both waste vast amounts of water.
	Water your lawn early in the morning or in the evening when there is less evaporation.
	Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator instead of running tap water until it's cold enough to drink.
	Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.

Do-It Yourself Home Energy Audit

Click above to link to a handy publication from Seattle's City Light department

Check it out!

Residential Steam System Brochure

This was mailed to all steam customers in March 2008.