Forecasted extreme cold over the weekend and into next week is expected to significantly increase electricity demand across the region. As a result, members may experience extended load control hours through our off-peak program.

The Demand Response (off-peak) program helps protect Beltrami Electric from having to purchase expensive supplemental power during periods of high demand. Wholesale energy market prices are currently extremely high due to frigid temperatures, winter storm impacts across the southern United States, and additional strain on regional electric generation and transmission infrastructure.

Your cooperative and Minnkota Power Cooperative, our wholesale power provider, are closely monitoring grid conditions 24 hours a day. Our priority is to maintain system reliability while minimizing exposure to high market prices that ultimately affect members.

We will continue to provide updates on our website and Facebook page as conditions change.

The current status of demand response can be found here. Below is control information for the various load groups.

• Load group 1: Short-Term Loads - such as water heater/dryer loads can be controlled for typically four hours at a time, up to 8 hours per day
• Load group 2: Intermediate-Term Loads - such as storage heat, is controlled daily during the heating season from 7 am – noon and again from 5 – 11 pm; however, this can be longer, up to 12-16 hours per day as needed during periods of high demand
• Load group 3: Long-Term Loads - such as dual fuel loads, including plenums, baseboards, etc. can be controlled for extended, unlimited periods as needed.

If demand response is activated, members may experience extended control periods. Members with dual-fuel, off-peak heating systems should ensure their backup heat source is ready for use. This includes verifying adequate propane levels or wood supply and checking outdoor propane regulators to make sure they are not frozen or iced over.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this period of extreme weather. Please stay warm and stay safe.