Small device = BIG savings

Cass County Electric Cooperative (CCEC) strives to provide a personal touch to the way we do business. To achieve that goal, we developed our energy management programs (off-peak) in our members’ interest. We designed these programs to make your life easier, more comfortable, and affordable. Off-peak electric heating is one of the most efficient and economical ways to heat your home. Residential and commercial members alike endorse the programs because they understand that they provide members with the most value for their energy dollars.

The energy management program began as a way to manage power during peak seasonal need without building additional generation resources. CCEC views this program as a tool to keep rates stable by reducing or avoiding purchasing high-cost energy from the wholesale energy market when demand for electricity is peaking.

“Off-peak” is a term used to define loads that are controlled and “off” during “peak” times of electricity demand. The voluntary program allows the cooperative to temporarily interrupt service to a member’s participating loads during high demand or “peak” times—like electric heating, large-capacity water heaters, and electric vehicle charging—in exchange for a lower electric rate during “off-peak” times.

CCEC pioneered its energy management program in 1974 when the West Acres Mall – one of our larger members at that time – was warned by its fuel supplier that its heating needs might go unmet. CCEC fulfilled their need and served 3 MW of heating to their electric boilers.

CCEC’s energy management umbrella includes:

1. Residential 
        a. Small-capacity water heaters
        b. Daily cycle load
             i. Large-capacity water heaters
             ii. Floor heat
        c. Dual heat
        d. Cooling/Air conditioning
        e. Electric vehicle charging

2. Commercial - generators

2. Agriculture
        a. Grain drying 
        b. Irrigation

An energy management computer at Minnkota Power Cooperative’s (CCEC’s wholesale power provider) headquarters is the brains of the system. It tracks the demand peaks, records when the peak times occur, and helps the control center operators determine the need for load control. When control is needed, the computer sends the control message via the power line. This signal is read by individually programmed ripple or load control receivers at your home, farm, or business.