Operation Round Up is a program originally developed in 1989 by Palmetto Electric in Hilton Head Island, SC. The idea was to round electric bills up to the next highest dollar and use the funds collected for charitable purposes. For example, if your electric bill is $127.50, your bill would be rounded up to the next highest dollar and you would pay $128.00. The extra fifty cents would then be placed in a fund and distributed for charitable purposes.
In order to participate in Operation Round Up, you probably don't have to do anything! Your bill may already be enrolled in Operation Round Up! If it is typically "rounded up" to even numbers--$68 instead of $67.44, for example, then, you are already enrolled.
Dakota Valley members may enroll or withdraw from the program at any time.
If you aren't currently participating and would like to be a part of this worthwhile program, or if you wish to withdraw from the program, just give us a call at (800) 342-4671 or send a note.
Applications are available at all DVEC offices for individuals or organizations in need. The correct form must be completed and forwarded to the cooperative.
The forms are available on this website, just go to the Customers Services tab, and click on "Forms and Applications."
Donations will range for 1 cent to 99 cents per month. Each month the donation will vary, depending on the amount of your electric bill. There will be a separate line on your electric bill indicating the amount donated to the Operation Round Up fund in that particular month.
No. Donations may be made to anyone or any organization within the outer boundaries of the Dakota Valley Electric service area.
According to the bylaws, the Operation Round Up Board is allowed to make donations to any worthy charitable cause, with the exception that no Operation Round Up funds can be used for religious or political purposes.
Operation Round Up donations are tax exempt, and Dakota Valley Electric will notify each participating member at the end of the year of their total annual contribution.
The average contribution is six dollars ($6) per year but donations can range anywhere from 12 cents to $11.88 per year.
An Operation Round Up board of directors will distribute the funds. Each DVEC board member has appointed an Operation Round Up board member from the same geographic area that the cooperative board member represents.
Yes, Operation Round Up bylaws state that board members must also be members of Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative.
The board must meet at least twice a year, but may meet more often if they find it necessary.
Since the Operation Round Up program was launched at Dakota Valley in 2002, a total of $357,520 has been awarded to 579 worthy causes.
Yes, one of the functions of the Operation Round Up board is to make a presentation at the annual meeting. Also, we will publish the disbursements in the center pages of our magazine.
Yes, not more than $2,500 may be given annually to any family unit, group, organization, charity or like organization.
Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative does not receive monetary or in-kind reimbursements from the Operation Round Up trust.
All "rounded up" funds flow directly in the Operation Round Up trust and are overseen by the Operation Round Up board.
Dakota Valley Electric personnel help administer the program as a complimentary service to the organization.