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Extreme Temperatures Impact Load Control

Update: 1/31/19 10:00 a.m.

Good morning. Last night, January 30, 2019, load control was once again issued for members who participate in our energy efficiency programs including Dual Fuel, Stored Water Heating, Peak Shave Water Heating and Backup Generators. As the air temperatures were a little higher and wind chills were reduced last night, we have already confirmed issues with members’ primary heating sources and water heaters turning back on properly after control ended yesterday around 10 p.m. were reduced.

However, if you currently do not have heat, we are advising that you act immediately and call a contractor.

In conditions like this, we understand that heat is essential and being without is dangerous. Our team has been working tirelessly and continues to actively respond to member concerns as quickly and safely as possible. However, the volume of calls we have received over the past 48 hours has slowed response time.

Again, if you do not have heat, we advise that you act immediately and call a contractor.

Thank you to all our members for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented circumstances.

Update: 1/30/19, 5:00 p.m.

Please read this important update regarding the impact of the current weather conditions on our load control systems for Dual Fuel, Water Heating, or Backup Generators.

Tonight, January 30th, 2019 load control has been issued once again from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. for Dual Fuel, 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. for Water Heating, and from 3:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. for backup generators due to the extremely high demand for energy during this record breaking weather.

Knowing this, as weather conditions continue through the evening, please note the following:

For Dual Fuel and Water Heating program participants:

If your primary electric heating system does not turn back on properly or you do not have hot water when the control period ends we advise that you contact a contractor directly. A likely cause is that due to the extreme temperatures the electronic equipment in your receiver is freezing.

We are also giving direct permission for contractors to disconnect load control receivers to restore power to your primary electric heat source. If this action is taken, contractors must report it to Stearns Electric so repairs can be made in the coming weeks.

In conditions like this, we understand that heat is essential and being without is dangerous. Our team has been working tirelessly and continues to actively respond to member concerns quickly and safely, however the volume of calls has slowed response time. So again, in the next 24 hours if you do not have heat, we advise that you act immediately and call a HVAC contractor.

For Backup Generator Participants:

We understand there’s been some confusion today. Despite our attempt to cancel this morning’s test, generators were activated anyways and then load control was issued shortly after.

We also understand that the delay in notification of tonight’s load control affected your ability to prepare your generators. For those that are unable to run your generators again this evening, today only there will be no penalty applied for run through.

We appreciate those of you who were able to act quickly to help reduce load on the utility system by running your generators again. We anticipate that the extreme temperatures may affect the electronics in your control equipment. If your generator does not automatically switch back when the control period ends, we advise members to manually override and transfer back to utility power.

Thank you to all our members for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented circumstances.

Initial Notice: 1/30/19, 12:00 p.m.

Please read this important update regarding the impact of the current weather conditions on our Dual Fuel control system:

Last night, January 29th, 2019, Dual Fuel load control was activated at 4:30 p.m. and was concluded at 9:30 p.m. We are aware that a number of, but not all, members back up heating systems have either struggled to maintain heat during that period or their primary electric heating system did not turn back on properly after load control ended. Water heaters may also be affected.

Stearns Electric technicians have been working through the night and continue to actively respond to member concerns as quickly and safely as possible. We are finding that a number of receivers are not responding in the extreme temperatures. Simply put, the electronic equipment is freezing.

In conditions like this, we understand that heat is essential and being without is dangerous. Due to the volume of calls regarding these issues, our response time is delayed. If you are currently without heat, we advise that you contact a HVAC contractor directly. We are also giving direct permission for contractors to disconnect load control receivers to restore power to your primary electric heat source. If this action is taken, contractors must report it to Stearns Electric so repairs can be made in the coming weeks.

Again, if you currently do not have heat, we are advising that you act now and call a HVAC contractor.

Further updates and information can be found on the home page of the Stearns Electric website, www.stearnselectric.org. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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