Important Account Information

Your home’s heating system is on an off-peak or dual heat program through Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC). CCEC, your trusted energy advisor, is here to share some pre-winter reminders and energy industry updates.

• Make sure your backup system is working and that your propane or fuel oil tank is full.
• In the event of no heat or hot water,  please call CCEC for control status first.
• Contact CCEC for current programs and incentives if a water heater or heating system needs replacement.

Electricity prices remain stable as other energy costs rise

In North Dakota, the cost of energy matters. We use significantly more energy per capita than the average U.S. citizen due to cold winters and long-distance travel. The cost of heating and transportation fuels is rising, but CCEC forecasts stable pricing for off-peak electricity this winter season.

Members who participate in the off-peak electric heating program have seen rates remain flat in recent years, while fossil fuel prices consistently fluctuate. In exchange for the discounted off-peak electric rate (about half the retail or regular rate), consumers like you voluntarily allow electric heating systems and other interruptible loads to be temporarily turned off or switched to a backup fuel source during periods of high demand for electricity across the region. Utilizing the off-peak program, Minnkota Power Cooperative, CCEC’s wholesale power provider, avoids purchasing high-priced energy from  the wholesale energy market during peak demand periods.

As you plan for this winter season, we want to make sure you know what to expect and prepare for how increasing fuel costs can impact your home heating strategy.

What can you expect this winter?

• Higher propane, fuel oil, and natural gas prices
  • Expect to see the cost of home heating fuels much higher this winter compared to previous years. Propane and natural gas prices are currently more than double the cost compared to this time last year and are forecasted to remain high throughout the winter. Fortunately, the cost of electricity will stay stable this winter.
• Stable electricity prices
  • Natural gas price increases have contributed to wholesale electricity market prices being twice as high as last year. CCEC and Minnkota can avoid these issues because our power supply consists of coal, wind, and hydro, which are not susceptible to fuel price spikes. The off-peak program is  used to avoid costly wholesale electricity market pricing.       
• Potential for more off-peak load control hours
  • With more wholesale electricity market volatility, members should expect the potential for more off-peak load control hours than in previous years. More than 200 hours of load control is possible during the 2021/2022 winter season, depending on wholesale power market prices and weather conditions.

Members will undoubtedly have to spend more on energy to heat their homes and transportation this year, but the good news is that the price you pay for electricity is forecasted to remain flat. We are here to help and can connect you with the right resources, no matter the situation. For questions, contact CCEC’s energy management department at 701-356-4400.