Load management refers to the control of various electric loads during times of peak demand on the electric system. By managing loads such as irrigation pivots, electric heat sources and water heaters so they are not all on at the same time, Kandiyohi Power Cooperative is able to reduce wholesale power purchases and save money and resources for the cooperative. Members willing to put electric loads under load management are eligible for special rebates and electric rates. If you would like to learn more about load management, please contact us.
Air Source Heat Pump
Air Source Heat Pumps are combination cooling and heating systems that provide all of the air conditioning and approximately 70% or more of the heating needs in a typical home in this region. ASHP units should always be sized for the cooling needs of the home. Only the compressor is controlled. It is strongly recommended that electric resistance strip heat be installed to provide additional heating at lower temperatures.
Rate:
.0865 per kWh September - May
.109 per kWh June - August
Financing may be available through the CEE Loan Program
Rebates are available for an ASHP when installed by a certified contractor. Rebate forms are only available from your certified heating and cooling contractor.
Peak Shave - Interruptible Water Heating
Interruptible water heaters are interrupted for up to eight hours on days of high electrical demand. Rebates are available for residential members who improve their water heating efficiency by enrolling in off-peak programs or purchasing energy efficient equipment.
Control Strategy: Interrupted for up to 8 hours on days peak control is needed. Storage capacity of 50 gallons or more. Energy factor of .90 or higher.
Monthly credit of $6.00 with usage of 301 kWh or greater on primary meter.
Ready for a new water heater? Let us know! We have 50, 80 and 100 gallon water heaters available for purchase with 0% financing.
Off Peak Electric Thermal Storage (ETS)
Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) water heating systems with a storage capacity of at least 80 gallons are eligible for the program.
Control Strategy: Water heaters recharged for 8 hours on weekdays, typically between 10 pm and 6 am during the winter months and 10 pm to 9 am during the summer months. ETS water heaters are not controlled on weekends or holidays unless billing peak control is needed.
Eligible Equipment: Qualifying ETS water heating systems must meet the following criteria: Storage capacity of 80 gallons or more, energy factor of .90 or higher, controlled under GRE's ETS water heating strategy.
Monthly credit of $9.00 with usage of 301 kWh or greater on the primary meter.
Rate: .069 per kWh
Financing may be available through the CEE Loan Program
Ground Source Heat Pump
The GeoSource heat pump utilizes the earth as the medium from which heat is extracted. Water is pumped through a heat exchanger in the heat pump. Heat is extracted. The water is then returned to the ground, either through discharge in a drain field or through a closed earth loop system. Because ground temperatures do not vary as dramatically as outside air temperatures, the heat available for transfer, as well as the unit's operating efficiency remains relatively constant through out the winter. At depths of 6 feet or more below the ground, the soil maintains a year-round temperature of about 46 degree F to 50 degree F in this region. In the summer, it's cooler than the outside air and in the winter it's warmer, making it an ideal energy source.
Although the initial installation cost may be higher, annual operating costs are much lower than all other types of heating systems. The added savings carry over to summer where cooling costs can be 30% - 50% less than the cost of cooling with an average air conditioning system. Ground Source Systems are not interrupted when it's the sole installation in the home. When put on the Dual Fuel Program, it will be controlled according to those strategies.
There is no special rate for GSHP, only Dual Fuel Rate applies where a backup system is installed.
Financing may be available through the CEE Loan Program
Dual Fuel Heating
Dual Fuel Heating is a combination of electric and non-electric or electric and Off Peak Storage Electric space heating. Conventional electric is the primary heating system and the non-electric or Off Peak Electric Storage is the backup system.
With the exception of the Off Peak Storage Electric, the backup heating systems must be capable of heating the whole house during the control period.
Control periods will vary but no more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24 hour period. (Control periods will not exceed 400 hours per heating season.) There is no prior notice of when the primary electric heating will be controlled. The Load Management Schedule is available here.
Automatic startup is required for all Back-up Heating Systems.
Rate:
.0865 per kWh September - May
.109 per kWh June - August
Electric Vehicle Charging
The Electric Vehicle Charging rate is an electric rate for residential members with an EV and/or members who install a home charging station. This rate was created to encourage charging of EVs during designated off-peak hours, typically from 11 pm to 7 am each day. By charging at night, members can help Kandiyohi Power Cooperative keep its wholesale power bill lower and keep rates more affordable for all KPC members.
Rate: .069 per kWh