Find Utility Providers in North Dakota

North Dakota Electricity Information

North Dakota generates most of its electricity from coal and wind power, making it one of the nation’s top energy exporters. While coal remains the dominant source, wind energy has expanded rapidly, taking advantage of the state’s strong prairie winds. Electricity prices in North Dakota are among the lowest in the country, thanks to its abundant local resources and relatively low demand. While coal-fired generation contributes to significant emissions, the state has made progress in reducing its carbon footprint through carbon capture projects and increased reliance on renewables.

Energy Usage in North Dakota

Municipal Utilities in North Dakota

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of North Dakota offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In North Dakota, 14 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in North Dakota

The rest of North Dakota receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Largest Natural Gas Companies in North Dakota

Many of the residents of North Dakota receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

North Dakota Internet Connectivity

Largest Internet Providers in North Dakota

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in North Dakota have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping North Dakota homes online and in the loop:

Know Your Rights: Utility Consumer Protections

As a utility customer in North Dakota, you have specific rights mandated by the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC). Understanding these rules can protect you from unexpected service interruptions.

• Disconnection Rules: Regulated utility companies generally must provide a 10-day written notice before disconnecting your service. If you are a tenant and the landlord pays the bill but fails to do so, the utility must post a notice at least 5 days before disconnection, giving you the opportunity to take over the service.
• Winter Protections: While North Dakota does not have a total ban on winter disconnections, there are strict rules for the period between November 1 and April 30. Utilities must attempt to contact you personally or by phone before shutting off heat-related services. If they cannot reach an adult at the residence, they cannot disconnect service until after a specific notification period has passed.
• Medical Postponement: If a disconnection would create a life-threatening situation for a member of your household (such as someone relying on electric medical equipment), you can delay the shut-off. You must provide a certificate from a licensed physician or public health official. This generally pauses disconnection for up to 30 days, giving you time to make payment arrangements.
• Third-Party Notices: If you travel often, are elderly, or are helping a relative manage their affairs, you can request a Third-Party Notice. This ensures a copy of any disconnection warning is sent to a designated friend, family member, or agency who can alert the account holder.

Going Green: Renewable Energy & Efficiency

North Dakota offers incentives for homeowners looking to reduce their reliance on the grid through renewable energy.

• Property Tax Exemptions: North Dakota law allows for a property tax exemption for new installations of solar, wind, or geothermal energy systems. This exemption generally lasts for five years following installation, ensuring your property taxes do not immediately jump due to the value of the new system.
  • Learn more at the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.
• Net Metering: If you are a customer of an investor-owned utility (like Xcel or Otter Tail), you are eligible for "Net Metering" for systems up to 100kW. This allows you to send excess electricity back to the grid and receive a credit on your bill.
• Energy Efficiency Rebates: Many utility providers offer direct rebates for installing smart thermostats, high-efficiency furnaces, or LED lighting. Always check your utility’s "Rebates" section before buying new appliances.

Safety: Call Before You Dig

Whether you are planting a tree, installing a fence, or building a deck, you must ensure you do not hit underground electric or gas lines.

• Contact 811: By law, you must contact North Dakota One Call at least 48 hours before you begin any excavation.
• The Process: Call 8-1-1 or file a request online. Utility companies will come to your property free of charge to mark the location of underground lines with flags or spray paint.
• The Risk: Digging without calling can result in dangerous gas leaks, power outages, and significant fines for repair costs.

Moving Utility Checklist for North Dakota

Moving is stressful, and forgetting to transfer a utility can lead to cold nights or no internet. Use this timeline to ensure your services are ready when you walk through the door.

2 Weeks Before Moving Day

• Identify Your Providers: Use the Major Utility Providers list above to determine who services your new address. Note that rural addresses often use different providers than the nearest town.
• Notify Current Providers: Contact your current electric, gas, water, and internet companies to set a stop date.

[tip]Tip: Do not shut off heat-related utilities completely if moving in winter. Set the stop date for the day after you hand over the keys to ensure pipes don't freeze.[/tip]

• Schedule New Service: Call your new providers to set up accounts.
  • Internet: Installation appointments can book up weeks in advance, especially in university towns like Fargo or Grand Forks in the fall. Call early to avoid a gap in service.

1 Week Before Moving Day

• Update Address: Update your mailing address with the USPS and any billing departments to ensure you receive your final statements and deposit refunds.
• Check "Budget Billing": If you are closing an account where you used Budget Billing (averaged payments), ask if you have a "settlement balance" due. You may owe a lump sum if your actual usage was higher than your averaged payments.

Moving Day

• Read the Meters: Take a photo of the electric and gas meters at both your old and new homes. This provides proof of usage if there is a billing dispute later.
• Test the Essentials:
  • Check that the thermostat is working and the furnace/AC turns on.
  • Run taps to check for hot water and leaks.
  • Locate the main water shut-off valve and the electrical breaker box in case of emergencies.

After Moving In

• Audit the First Bill: Your first bill at the new house will likely be higher due to setup fees or partial-month billing. Compare the meter reading on the bill to the photo you took on moving day to ensure accuracy.
• Apply for Discounts: If you qualify for LIHEAP or senior discounts, apply immediately once your new account number is generated.

Utility Costs in North Dakota

The average monthly total utility bills in North Dakota is $290.48, which is 4.81% higher than the national average.

Utility Providers by City in North Dakota

City Name	Population	Municipal Electricity
Beulah	3,070	No
Bismarck	89,825	No
Bottineau	2,141	No
Carrington	2,133	No
Casselton	2,493	No
Dickinson	24,851	No
Fargo	207,310	No
Grafton	4,186	Yes
Grand Forks	63,767	No
Grand Forks AFB	2,678	No
Hazen	2,564	No
Horace	3,141	No
Jamestown	15,823	No
Lincoln	4,126	No
Lisbon	2,109	No
Mandan	23,784	Yes
Minot	48,005	No
Minot AFB	5,375	No
New Town	2,745	No
Rugby	2,546	No
Stanley	2,079	No
Valley City	6,586	Yes
Wahpeton	7,928	No
Watford City	5,725	No
West Fargo	37,913	No
Williston	27,368	No