News > A Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions – Interruptible Generator Program

A Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions – Interruptible Generator Program

November 2023

Throughout 2023, Stearns Electric will be featuring residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural EnergyWise programs, rebates and other cost and energy saving features in our Year of Savings with Innovative Energy Solutions. In November, we are featuring member Gierke Family Farms and our Interruptible Generator Program.

Member Interview

GIERKE FAMILY FARMS
Members since 2003

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO INSTALL A GENERATOR AND PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERRUPTIBLE PROGRAM?
We knew that we would need a generator on-site for our animals regardless so being able to participate in the Interruptible Program made complete sense with the lower energy rate.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST BENEFIT?
Being part of the program has helped with our monthly maintenance to make sure our generators are all in proper working order. It also gives us peace of mind that our animals are safe and healthy in any circumstance.

ARE THERE ANY INCONVENIENCES?
There hasn’t been any inconveniences. Everything runs smoothly and we have good notice when there is a test or notification of an energy curtailment.

HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU SAVED?
By participating in the Interruptible Program with our two generators, we saved nearly $18,000 with the reduced EnergyWise rate over the past year. That’s nearly 15% off our total electricity bill!

HOW MUCH ENERGY HAVE YOU SAVED?
Although we don’t use less energy by participating in the Interruptible Program, we’re using our energy more wisely.

Interruptible Program

The Commercial, Industrial and Agricultural Interruptible Program helps farmers and businesses lower energy costs. During periods of peak
demand, our system may require more power than is normally available. By participating in the Interruptible Program, participants help reduce the amount of electricity our members need during these critical times by allowing Stearns Electric to interrupt your electric service and automatically switch energy load onto your back-up generator. In return, participants receive a lower energy rate throughout the year.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:

• Generator must be 50 kW or larger.
• Generator back-up systems may be interrupted for up to 10 continuous hours on any given day.
• Generator engine must meet EPA RICE rules.
• Failure of the generator during peak control time will be assessed applicable rate penalties in accordance with the current rate schedule.

Contact Stearns Electric for a full list of program requirements.

*Single phase system receives an energy rate of 7.65 cents per kWh with a $40 monthly Fixed Charge.
Three phase system receives an energy rate of 5.13 cents per kWh with a $65 monthly Fixed Charge.

Stearns Electric offers residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural rebates for our member-consumers. By upgrading to more efficient equipment and enrolling in our EnergyWise programs, you will save money and energy every month. Contact Stearns Electric at (800) 962-0655 for more information.

Click to see the full November Innovative Energy Solutions feature here.