News > Dual Fuel Offers Benefits to Members, Co-op and the Grid

Dual Fuel Offers Benefits to Members, Co-op and the Grid

January 19, 2025

A program offered by Stearns Electric Association provides home heating at a remarkable value by pairing electric heat with a dependable backup.

If you are a member enrolled in the program, known as “dual fuel,” knowing the “why” behind the moments your dual fuel heating is temporarily switched is likely important to you — especially during the long, cold months of winter.

Great River Energy, our wholesale power provider, makes the decision of when to shift participating members to their backup heat source for a variety of reasons, but affordability and reliability are the ultimate drivers.

The program is a win-win-win for all involved. Enrolled members benefit from a reduced electric rate, Stearns Electric is able to manage local electricity demand and avoid expensive market purchases, and the entire regional grid benefits from reduced demand for electricity.

“On a cold winter day, when demand and market prices are high, our dual fuel program helps us, our members and the grid as a whole by lowering demand on the system to avoid high market prices,” said Jeff Haase, Great River Energy’s director of member services.

RESPONDING TO DEMAND OFFERS BIG BENEFITS

Dual fuel heating is one example of a “demand response” program, which are designed to reduce electricity demand to keep energy reliable and affordable.

The demand response system is launched by Great River Energy’s control center. Power system operators use computers to send tens of thousands of electronic signals through the power delivery system and into distribution power lines.

Receivers plugged into standard electrical current at member homes and businesses can read the signals and, when the appropriate message is sent, those receivers interrupt the electric power flowing to the heating system. When control is no longer needed, a signal is sent to turn the system back on.

Based on metering and market conditions, Great River Energy’s system operators and energy marketers know when a peak load period is approaching. Depending on the amount by which Great River Energy needs to reduce the peak, operators choose various groups of controlled load and turn them off using the demand response system.

Call our Energy Services department during business hours at (800) 962-0655 for more information on the Cooperative’s Dual Fuel program or learn more on our website: https://www.stearnselectric.org/save-money-and-energy/heating-and-cooling/dual-fuel-program/dual-fuel-program-details/.