Avoid high fuel oil and propane prices with off-peak electric heating
North Dakota households that rely on fuel oil or propane to keep them warm through our cold season can face volatile prices. While fuel oil and propane costs have stabilized, historically, they have been subject to more volatility. CCEC’s off-peak program offers stability.
If the possibility of another price spike has you nervous, there’s an easy way to prepare now. Simply incorporate electricity into your heating system and enroll in CCEC’s voluntary off-peak program. You’ll receive electric heat at nearly half the standard electric rate, bringing your heating cost below fuel oil or propane costs. Plus, the off-peak electric rate has remained stable for almost a decade, so there are no worries about sudden swings in the market that you didn’t work into your budget.
How the valuable off-peak program works:
CCEC members voluntarily sign up for off-peak, which allows Minnkota Power (CCEC’s wholesale power provider) to temporarily turn off electric heating, water heating, vehicle chargers, and commercial account service during times of high regional demand. During these “control periods,” most consumers are automatically switched to a backup heating system, generator, or stored heat, so there is no interruption in comfort.
Electric heat system
An electric heating system on the off-peak program consists of an electric heat source as its main component and a supplemental heating source (such as fuel oil or propane) that will typically operate 250- 300 hours per year during times of peak electrical demand in the region. The program can also be utilized in storage heat technologies, in which heat is collected and stored during low-demand times and deployed when needed.
Water heater
A water heater on the off-peak program will warm the contents of the tank during lower-demand times of day (often overnight), and that water will remain hot until it is needed in the home.
Popular electric options eligible for the off-peak program:
Air-source heat pump
- Can be used with a backup fuel source for the off-peak program
- Eligible for low off-peak rate
- $150 per ton rebate
Electric plenum
- Backup energy source is necessary for the off-peak program
- Eligible for low off-peak rate
- $25 per kW rebate
Thermal storage
- Backup fuel source is not needed for the off-peak program
- Eligible for low off-peak rate
- $45 per kW rebate
Electric water heater
- Backup fuel source is not needed for the off-peak program
- Eligible for low off-peak rate
- Up to $500 in rebates
Check with CCEC to ensure that the equipment qualifies.
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Published in November 2023 Highline Notes