Dakota Electric ASSOCIATION
Energy Center TIMELINE
From assessing the current facility to the design and build of a new Energy Center, follow along as we prepare for tomorrow. Details will be updated as the project progresses. Have questions? Please visit our FAQ page.
Construction Schedule
Phase 4: Construction
Timeframe
July 2025 – Spring 2027
Status
In Progress
More Information
Phase 4 includes the physical construction of the new headquarters facility. It is divided into six sub-phases covering all core structural and finish components of the project. No additional board approvals are required for this phase to proceed.
Timeframe
June 2025 – July 2025
Status
Complete
More Information
This phase includes grading, excavation, and soil preparation across the entire site. It establishes the groundwork needed for future construction and ensures the site is properly leveled, drained, and compacted to support building foundations and infrastructure.
Timeframe
July 2025 – Spring 2026
Status
In Progress
More Information
This phase includes the installation of concrete foundations for all major buildings on site. It establishes the structural base needed to support each facility and is the first physical construction activity on the new campus.
Timeframe
Fall 2025 – Summer 2026
Status
Not Yet Started
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During this phase, structural steel frameworks will be erected for all buildings. This stage forms the skeleton of the facility, allowing the overall scale and layout to take shape above ground.
Timeframe
Winter 2026 – Summer 2026
Status
Not Yet Started
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This phase includes the installation of building exteriors, such as walls, windows, and roofing systems. Once complete, each structure will be fully enclosed and protected from the elements.
Timeframe
Spring 2026 – Winter 2026
Status
Not Yet Started
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This phase includes the interior walls and framing systems. It defines rooms, corridors, and operational areas within the building, setting the stage for mechanical systems and finishes.
Timeframe
Spring 2026 – Fall 2026
Status
Not Yet Started
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This phase focuses on developing exterior areas of the site, including parking lots, driveways, green spaces, and landscaping. It enhances site accessibility and begins establishing the finished campus appearance.
Timeframe
Summer 2026 – Spring 2027
Status
Not Yet Started
More Information
The final construction phase involves completing interior elements such as drywall, flooring, lighting, cabinetry, and final painting. This stage prepares the facility for occupancy and operational readiness.
Phase 3: Facility Design
Timeframe
November 2024 -Spring 2025
Board Action
Approved May 2025
Status
Completed
More Information
The board of directors will approve Phases 3A – 3C separately before moving to Phase 4.
Timeframe
November 2024
Board Action
Approved
Status
Complete
More Information
Phase 3A of the facility design was completed and approved by the board of directors to move to Phase 3B.
Timeframe
November 2024 – Spring 2025
Board Action
Approved
Status
Complete
More Information
Phase 3B of the facility design was completed and approved by the board of directors to move to Phase 3C.
Timeframe
January – Spring 2025
Board Action
Approved
Status
Complete
More Information
Phase 3C of the facility design will be completed and approved by the board of directors to move to Phase 4.
Phase 2: Land Acquisition
Phase 1: Facility Planning Study
Timeframe
October 2019 – March 2024
Board Action
Approved
Status
Complete
Outcome
A formal Needs Assessment was established.
October 2019
The co-op proposed a Facility Planning Study Charter to address future needs and membership growth. However, delays occurred due to the ongoing advanced meter installation project and challenges posed by COVID-19.
September 2022
Three years later, the board granted approval for the co-op to conduct a Facility Assessment and Business Plan Charter with a local engineering consulting firm, ISG. This assessment aimed to identify the operational deficiencies and establish the need for investment. This included an evaluation of the condition and functionality of the co-op’s current headquarters.
October 2023
The year-long assessment confirmed an urgent need for investment, highlighting inefficiencies in the building and yard, requirements for retention ponds, and challenges related to equipment and vehicle storage. The board considered four strategic options, from enhancing current facilities to constructing a new facility elsewhere. However, needing more information, the board authorized the co-op to conduct a comprehensive Facility Planning Study.
MArch 2024
At the March board meeting, Cooperative Building Solutions, a construction firm that collaborates closely with electric cooperatives nationwide, presented the results of the Facility Planning Study. In addition to resolving current facility priority needs, the study outlined facility goals, needs assessment results, and three conceptual design options with cost estimates and schedules: renovate the current Dakota Electric facility, repurpose an existing facility, or build a new facility in a new location. Upon further discussion, the board dismissed the option of repurposing an existing facility but directed the co-op to continue evaluating a potential renovation option and a new facility option.
April 2024
At the April board meeting, the co-op presented the Board with additional information on the two conceptual design options, including their alignment with the co-op’s strategic vision, potential residential rate impacts, and available land options. Management also highlighted the difference in the rate impact between options as the current facility required some investment to address priority needs. The Board instructed management to continue discussions on each option with CBS and authorized the co-op to proceed with further evaluation of both options.
May 2024
Additional facility related discussions took place at the May board meeting, covering site considerations with future transportation plans, site recommendation, revised residential rate impacts, and an initial member communication strategy.
July 2024
At the July board meeting, management presented the terms of a potential land purchase for a future Dakota Electric headquarters and the terms of contract to design a new Dakota Electric facility. In addition, management presented the Board with a full recap of current and future facility needs, options considered with their alignment to the strategic plan, key decision determinants, future rate impacts, construction schedule and an external communication strategy. The Board approved proceeding with the land acquisition and facility design process. Additionally, approval was granted to begin communicating this process to the members of the cooperative and the Energy Center website was pushed live.
November 2024
At the November board meeting, the board of directors approved purchasing the land for a new facility and began Phase 3 of the Facility Design process.
May 2025
At the May board meeting, the board of directors approved Phase 3 of the Facility Design to officially move forward with the construction process for the Energy Center.
June 2025
Dakota Electric’s board of directors, executive leadership team, and dignitaries from Lakeville, Farmington, and surrounding communities in Dakota and Scott Counties participated in the groundbreaking for the Energy Center on Thursday, June 26.
Next Steps
Information will be shared as the project progresses and decisions are made by Dakota Electric’s Board of Directors. If you have questions, please submit them using the provided form. Questions will be categorized and added to the FAQ page each month to keep members informed about the progress.