Prepare your heating system for demand response season

It may only be October, but the cold months of winter are sneaking up faster than any of us would like. To make sure you’re not caught off guard, you’ll want to confirm your home heating system is online and working properly. And if you’re a volunteer member of Cass County Electric’s (CCEC) demand response program (often called off-peak), we have some pre-winter projections and advice to ensure you’re set for the season.

According to outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), both North Dakota and Minnesota expect to see a fairly normal winter, with near-average snowfall and temperatures. However, as lifelong Midwesterners know, the only thing predictable about our weather is its unpredictability, so CCEC will be preparing for 200 hours of estimated demand response through the winter. For perspective, 127 hours of demand response were deployed last winter.

When electricity demand spikes, such as during extended cold spells when many homes rely on electric heat, our power provider, Minnkota Power Cooperative, activates the demand response program across the region. During these times, enrolled homes are automatically switched from electric heat to an alternative backup heat source, such as fuel oil, propane or natural gas. This switch helps reduce stress on the power grid and avoids costly electricity purchases from the market, ultimately helping keep rates low for all members. Plus, program volunteers receive a nearly 50% reduction in their electric heating rate.

Minnkota will be conducting a demand response test in early to mid-December, so now is the ideal time to make sure everything is in order. If you have any concerns, reach out to your co-op before winter weather arrives in full force!

Check your backup heat

If you’re part of the demand response program, it’s critical to check your backup
heating system now. This includes:
• Ensuring fuel tanks (propane, fuel oil, etc.) are filled
• Verifying that the backup system is working properly
 

If you want to learn more about CCEC’s demand response options, give us a call at 701-356-4400 or visit our energy management page!