|
Program Benefits
Low-cost, off-peak
rate. This is approximately 40-50 percent lower than the regular service
rate, making electricity one of the most effective and convenient energy
sources available.
Water heaters, dryers, air
conditioning, whirlpools, spas, saunas and other special loads can also be
on the off-peak meter and receive this discounted rate.
Electric heating equipment
$100 warranty program.
Easy Conversion
Electric plenum
heaters can easily be added to existing forced air systems to create a
fully-automated dual fuel heating system.
|
Load Management
Program Load management, commonly referred to as
"ripple" or "off-peak," is a program developed by Minnkota
Power Cooperative, our wholesale power provider, that allows specific loads to be
turned off during periods of peak electrical demand. This allows customers to reduce the
cost of their electric heating by reducing electrical demand expense.
How the program works
Minnkota Power Cooperative sends a
signal over the power line, which is received by the ripple control device in
the member's home. This controlled load allows more efficient operation of
power plants, reduces the need to construct additional power plants and lowers
the cost of all kilowatt-hours (kwh) produced. Members voluntarily participate in this program
and in return receive a reduction in the electric service rate they pay for all
kilowatts used by their off-peak equipment.
Many heating options available
Electric convective heating -
electric furnace, plenum heaters, electric baseboard.
Electric hydronic heating - electric boilers, underfloor tubing heat.
Radiant heating - underfloor cable, cove heating, ceiling cable.
Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) systems.
Easy conversion
A home with an existing fossil fuel heating system can be converted to
off-peak electric heating very easily. Your co-op's Energy Experts can advise you on the best electric
option to meet your specific needs.
Program requirements
-
To qualify for an
off-peak meter you must have electric heat with a qualified backup
system. This will allow the off-peak electric service to be interrupted
during times of peak electrical demand.
-
The minimum amount of
electric heat required for Beltrami Electric to install an off-peak
meter is 5kw. This is equal to approximately 20 feet of electric
baseboard.
-
Members must enter into a Load Management Agreement.
-
Members are responsible for the installation of the off-peak system
wiring.
-
Beltrami Electric Cooperative will provide the ripple control receiver
but installation must be provided by the member or a qualified
electrician.
-
Electric heating
equipment must be direct wired. No standard cord and plug heaters or
other equipment are allowed on the off-peak service, including but not
limited to: kitchen ranges, dishwashers, refrigerators, water pumps,
lighting and general power outlets. These items must be wired to the
general service and are not affected by the off-peak control.
-
Control times may vary
depending on peaking electrical demand and weather conditions and may
run for extended periods. Your backup system must be able to meet
your heating needs during these times.
Steps to Implementation
- Determine which
qualifying off-peak system will meet your heating needs. If you need
assistance in this area, one of Beltrami Electric's Energy Experts can
help.
- Complete a Load Management Agreement
(available at the co-op).
- Have your electrician
install a qualified off-peak heating system, including the ripple
control receiver. Beltrami Electric will supply the ripple control
receiver and a fuse link free of charge to members installing a
qualified off-peak system.
- Once your system is
installed, including the ripple control receiver, contact Beltrami
Electric to schedule a final inspection and install an off-peak meter.
- Enjoy your new low-cost,
off-peak rate.
|